During a Senate hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed the contributions of US allies in Afghanistan, citing a common joke among American soldiers. He emphasized the disproportionate American effort and casualty count, despite acknowledging allied losses. Senator Chris Coons countered by highlighting the significant per capita losses suffered by some allies, such as Denmark. Hegseth maintained his position, reiterating the substantial American role in the conflict.
Read More
Former UK Special Forces members have revealed eyewitness accounts of alleged war crimes, including the execution of unarmed civilians and detainees, in Iraq and Afghanistan. These allegations, spanning over a decade, involve both the SAS and SBS, detailing practices such as planting weapons on bodies and falsifying reports to conceal unlawful killings. The testimony includes accounts of systematic killings, with some soldiers admitting to an addictive pursuit of kills and a “mob mentality.” This new evidence, including video footage, significantly expands upon previous reports and reveals that then-Prime Minister David Cameron received repeated warnings about these actions.
Read More
Canadian veterans express dismay and betrayal at the Trump administration’s treatment of allies like Canada and Ukraine, particularly given the shared sacrifices in Afghanistan. This sentiment stems from the perception that Canadian soldiers fought and died to defend the U.S. after 9/11, a notion deepened by Trump’s threats and bullying tactics. While acknowledging the distinction between the U.S. military and its president, veterans highlight the strong bonds forged during their shared combat experiences. Retired military officials emphasize that the anger is directed at the administration, not the U.S. military, and that the threat of annexation, while upsetting, is considered unlikely.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker