Why hasn't anyone brought up the strategic and economic reasons that the British government might want to send troops to Afgahnistan?

If the Oil barons are ever able to suceed in getting the Afghanistan Pipeline (it should be read Pipe-dream) project off the ground and finished, then it will need protection. This will come in the from of a stable, western freindly government, led by people who are amenable to western leadership, such as the current President of Afghanistan.

If the British Oil investors want thier cut of the oil profits from this venture, then they must get the government to be seen as supporting thier erstwhile American allies. It's really quite simple as that. Oh yes, there is the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden and all that, but not to worry. It will all be sorted out in due time, after a sufficient amount of money is spent, and enough (mostly middle or lower class) people die, not to mention the Muslims that are dying.

Incidently, that is the main reason why GB, TB, and the leaders of the oil addicted western nations are so worried about Iran getting thier hands on some nuclear weapons. In one word-blackmail, of the economic variety, oil blackmail that is....black gold.....Texas (or rather Afghani) crude.

Sorry, I couldn't resist the allusion to the old Beverly Hillbillies program from the days of my youth.

Regards,