23 April, 2011

Libyan losses

Admiral Mike Mullen, the most senior American serviceman, in announcing the provision of new weaponry to the conflict, says that Nato forces have destroyed 30-40% of Gaddafi’s ground forces.

I think it is worth pondering this figure. In the eighteen years of the Vietnam war, America lost around 2% of the personnel serving in South Vietnam.

30-40% is a huge figure, which goes far beyong the protection of civilian life. It means we have taken sides and it means that we have part-ownership of this war, and therefore of its result and of its consequences.

In my view we will regret this.

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