Summary
Various media have reported that seven British servicemen were repatriated from Afghanistan yesterday. Various media have also reported that General David Petraeus, the man chosen to take charge of the US military in Afghanistan, has warned of an escalation of violence in the coming months. A report on last night's Newsnight stated that the whole campaign in Afghanistan hangs in the balance and is dependent on achieving political success. The Times reports an increase in Taliban snipers has been partly to blame for the NATO death toll in Afghanistan, and that June has been reported as the deadliest month in the history of the nine-year war. The Times also says, in an editorial column, that the Prime Minister must make clear his plans for the future strategy in Afghanistan. The Sun has reported that front line forces are losing up to two days' vital leave due to the RAF's ageing troop carriers breaking down. The Daily Telegraph features an article about how a US government inspector's report had revealed that some newly-trained Afghan units that had previously been rated as first class were in fact incapable of fighting the Taliban. The Daily Telegraph also features an article about how Marines fighting in Helmand are motivated to work whilst being in one of the most dangerous places in the world. The Daily Mirror has reported that the British Medical Association warns that British forces have a chronic shortage of front line medics. The Daily Telegraph also reports that Dr Liam Fox will be expected to say why the Afghan conflict needs to be won in a speech in Washington later today.
Smith Case ruling
Various media are reporting the Supreme Court's ruling today that Article 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights does not extend to members of the UK Armed Forces carrying out military duties abroad outside of UK bases. This judgment upholds the MOD's position that the decision of commanders on the ground in operational situations should not be subject to scrutiny by the courts for compliance with the European Convention. Click here to read more.
Defence Secretary's visit to the US
The UK's Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, is in Washington DC for a series of key meetings to further strengthen the already close US-UK defence relationship. The focus of the visit is operations in Afghanistan and ensuring that the necessary security conditions are met before transition to the Afghan authorities can take place. Click here to read more.
Today, Dr Fox will give a speech to the Heritage Foundation in Washington and will highlight the strengthening relationship between the UK and US post 9/11, the importance of avoiding a premature withdrawal from Afghanistan, and how we have to have strategic patience to see the mission through.
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