"would you prefer that we avoid all such engagements in future, even if some security-related self interest might be a factor? It’s never black and white."Well, quite a few nations seem to avoid the necessity for interventions. I certainly approved of the Kosovo and Sierra Leone interventions at the time, and earlier the Bosnian War. Korea, Suez, no. Glad we stayed out of Vietnam. The Falklands War I can see a case for, but hundreds dying for sovereignty over a place of which we had attempted to get rid, and planned to imminently withdraw the only patrol vessel! The first Iraq War (Kuwait) I can see a case for, but we seem to have been OK with Iraq attacking Iran not so long before. I wonder why.The Upper Yafa Disturbances of 1959 seemed proportionate. The RAF destroyed the rebels' houses after warning them, so apparently no casualties.Since 2000, it has been rather a horror show, with Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya. A war against Terror would seem to be difficult to end. Especially as war involves terror.And now we lucky people have a £7 billion defence spending boost "to extend British influence and protect the public", Boris Johnson says. Be interesting to see what we do with the resulting kit and indeed where our "security-related self interest" takes us. Rather depends upon US interests, I should think, and that will depend upon Biden. Despite what the Republicans said, Biden is rather to the right of Corbyn.
David Ainsworth ● 1958d