In the news

So; "as there is evil in the world, we might as well be the ones to profit from it?" and our enlightened values will rub off on them at the same time and magically make them better people?

Er, no. More like, they're cunts but at least they're working with us (to an extent).

Again, I get the impression you're looking at Saudi Arabia as if it isn't a powerful state in its own right. They'll do what they want, all we can do is try to influence them.

Good explanation. Cheers.

but it begs the question

the terrorists have already won.

Look out! It's a Grammar Nazi Daesh!

He does have a beard, now that you mention it.

Their cash-flow isn't consigned to the territory ISIL currently holds, is it.
I'd assumed that the Saudis were pumping them plenty, and that they were creaming it off the top of all the oil that moves around. As it's all a bit of a racket, we don't really know, which is my point: it's impossible to say whether they're near bankruptcy or have the funding to continue all this ad infinitum.

speaking of cashflow.

As Chomsky says, there's never been an incidence of foreign intervention that hasn't been determined by material self-interest.

Except maybe the Falklands.

greenhell in 3...2...1...

oh

:)

I think the key issue with Afghanistan was leaving too early. In terms of 'nation building' it was undoubtedly a very challenging situation. From a geographical spread the progress made was enormously varied but in many cases when ISAF left Afghanistan local communities were much better off.

'except that you need a laser designator on the ground to make use of
that, which is exactly what we don't have'

They can be guided by lots of means. We do have people on the ground precisely for coordinating this kind of thing too.

The names of the San Bernadino shooters have been released. I'd say it's a safe bet how that's going to be labelled by the right, regardless of the actual motive.

The fact they were both able to own fully automatic weapons won't be the issue...

I feel absolutely terrible for Muslims living in the USA. What will Fox news make of this one?

Giddyup

Is that dog wearing a 7 Para DZ flash?

Dunno, but he's recently had his ears notched for that 'aggressive guard dog look' to go with the docked tail. Not surprised he's not adverse to munching on his owner's bollocks.

Is that dog wearing a 7 Para DZ flash?

No.

There is no such thing as '7 PARA'.

http://www.army.mod.uk/artillery/regiments/24671.aspx

well...

Anyway I can see it is not.

Falklands oilfields, the U.K. Economy being knackered, and Thatcher's domestic unpopularity, were all factors suggesting self interest there too.

^^^^^ Walt much?

no such thing as '7 PARA'

Perhaps you should get the paratrooper dog in the avatar to make sure you're not spouting bollocks?

Have we won the war on terror yet?