We've received several e-mails highly recommending the following two articles:
Losing Their Way? - The Economist editorial
The British army suffers from lack of soldiers, lack of money and lack of conviction.
... For all the public recognition, the armed services are going through unusually difficult times. This is challenging Britain's belief in itself as a fighting nation with an important role in the world. The severe strain of waging two wars in faraway countries has been aggravated by undermanning and equipment shortages. More serious still is a new mood of self-doubt. The invasion of Iraq was controversial and its occupation inglorious; the campaign in Afghanistan is going badly. British commanders have belatedly realised that they have much to learn, or rather relearn, about fighting small wars in distant lands. "We have lost our way," says one general...
Much more at The Economist.
Australia's Afghan Crossroads - Cynthia Banham, Sydney Morning Herald opinion
Australia is at a crossroads in its military contribution to the war in Afghanistan. What Australia does next will affect its relationship with the US.
It will also have an impact on the reputation of our defence forces among our closest allies, the US, Britain and Canada.
The questions facing the Rudd Government as it determines which path to take go well beyond whether it should simply offer more troops to the Obama Administration, if asked...
Much more at The Sydney Morning Herald.