I consider myself to be an individual who is widely read. I think it is important to read from various sources both in Russia, Europe and the Americas to form a balanced view. Sometimes when I read such stories as this one I feel sad about the integrity of Russian journalism and its ability to convey broad opinions in the news. This article is filled with emotive statements from a one sided perspective. Surely Mr Russian Journalist your University taught you better! In fact, I know that Russia has outstanding students who are taught to read widely, from Welsh poets, to Classical French writers and Greek Philosophers to gain an insightful view of the world. So why is this approach not reflected here? It tarnishes all the good stories with the suspicion that propaganda is the key motive here... British involvement around the world is not confined to conflict. Those troops also have a vital humanitarian mission, saving lives and offering stability in countries around the world. It is also worth pointing out that Britain has a responsibility to the integrity of the Commonwealth, which is home to 2 billion citizens who look to Britain for friendship and in some cases security. It is not only troops we send around the world. Our nation is a charitable one sending billions around the world to those less fortunate. Our professional army for many citizens who live in fear are a reassuring presence in troubled territories. I don't believe we should out stay our welcome in countries such as Afghanistan, nor is there an appetite to do so by the British people. True, there are those in the UK who would wish for us to be out of there today and there are those that believe the mission is one of importance. A stable Afghanistan is also beneficial to Russia, who struggles with drug use produced by Afghan farmers and drug barons and the consequential spread of HIV. This is also a reason why Russia is supporting the efforts in Afghanistan and plays an important role there.

Military MEN and WOMEN are not boys and girls. They are brave SERVICEMEN/WOMEN serving their country under dangerous conditions. They are not allowed to second guess their orders or reasons for their assignments. If they are ever mistakenly sent to war, it is not their fault, but the fault of the CIVILIAN LEADERS/POLITICIANS. Office holders/politicians who carelessly order actions that cost the lives of SERVICEPEOPLE should be held accountable and punished to the fullest extent of law.

I would echo the sentiments given by the previous poster, Craig. I use your site, and have often quoted from it as you give another perspective to what is happening in the world, but this piece of journalism is verging on propaganda. I am disappointed in it. You quote extensively from some obscure person from an obscure organisation that has no valid right to speak for the majority of the British people. I may be against the Afghan war and I'm no lover of British foreign policy but this piece of journalism (?) should never have made publication. You do yourself no favours by publicising this blatant piece of propaganda. I may have to review my thoughts on your other peices if this is the standard that wish to produce.

If you think Russian reporters need a lesson in reporting perhaps you need to see FOX news or even the BBC on Russian subjects. The coverage over the Georgian aggression in South Ossetia was a joke with no attempt at balance. Further back to Desert Storm various western news agencies even faked news broadcasts that were supposed to be from Bagdad but were filmed in the US. Criticise Russian journalists all you want but the news media in the west is now an infomercial with artificial pretty faces trying to be stand up comics instead of delivering information. In comparison when the guy who is the minister responsible for the British forces in Afghanistan says British forces should be pulled out of Afghanistan I would think that is worthy of reporting. If it was a former Russian General and he wanted Russian forces pulled out of South Ossetia I am sure the BBC would be happy to educate us with that story.