Brown's too late; LETTERS to the EDITOR.

GORDON Brown''s November 6 speech regarding our involvement in Afghanistan, rather than inspirational and visionary - as required, was more of the dour, clunking, disingenuous and contradictory rhetoric of the past.

Brown talked about the importance of our presence there -if so why is it so under-resourced? Not just the relatively low numbers of under-equipped troops but so little in civil aid - pounds 80m for Helmand this year - I wonder how much of this is seen by the average Afghani. I suspect a lot goes to western agencies or is skimmed off by corrupt locals.

As happened in Basra we are increasingly seen as a force of occupation propping up a discredited puppet government.

With the deteriorating situation, it is increasingly acknowledged that the Taliban, who have substantial and increasing support, have to be involved in the future of Afghanistan for there to be a chance of a lasting peace. It''s a pity we didn''t talk more in 2001 rather than jump recklessly into a punitive invasion with little consideration for the long-term consequences and costs.

Mr Brown, while referring to Afghanistan as the front line against terrorism (sic), at least hinted that the front line is here in the UK with 3,000 police officers now working in counter-terrorism, the security services budget trebled to pounds 3bn along with increases elsewhere, for example, the creation of the Border Agency. Sadly this is too little too late after years of lax domestic control and poor foreign policy.

Mark Bill, address supplied