U.K. General: Al-Qaida Can Never Be Defeated
Britain's highest military officer is offering some wisdom: Al-Qaida can never be completely defeated -- an admission that comes almost 10 years into the "war on terror." The British general is calling for a military focus on containing enemy fighters and not annihilation.
Britain’s highest military officer is offering some wisdom: Al-Qaida can never be completely defeated — an admission that comes almost 10 years into the “war on terror.” The British general is calling for a military focus on containing enemy fighters and not annihilation. –JCL
Wait, before you go…Al-Jazeera English:
Britain’s most senior officer has been quoted as saying that al-Qaeda can never be completely defeated.
David Richards, chief of the defence staff, said on Sunday that outright victory is “unnecessary” as long as governments are able to contain the fighters.
“First of all, you have to ask: ‘Do we need to defeat it (al-Qaeda) in the sense of a clear cut victory?'” Richards told British newspaper the Sunday Telegraph.
“I would argue that it is unnecessary and would never be achieved … but can we contain it to the point that our lives and our children’s lives are led securely? I think we can.”
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
World
A new report details the scope of spending on drug war programs that undermine other US foreign aid goals.
Opinion
Historical ties to militaristic nationalism pose a serious challenge to current Russian feminist struggles.
Opinion
Reviving the 2010 reform process could be key to resolving Pakistan’s continued crises, but reforms must target the military's massive business empire.
Military
Despite a 2016 law requiring transparency, the Defense Department is limiting public access to court records in the military justice system.
Military
Military food insecurity and our obsession with defense spending.
Opinion
President Nayib Bukele says he has defeated El Salvador’s gangs and brought peace to the nation. But the reality is more complex.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.