Special forces blocked UK resettlement applications from elite Afghan troops
BBC NewsFEB 2024
UK: MOD Confirms Special Forces Blocked the Resettlement of Over 2K Afghan Commandos
Above: Afghan special forces attend a graduation ceremony at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 17, 2021. Image copyright: Haroon Sabawoon/Anadolu Agency/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The government’s commitment to rectifying errors in the ARAP scheme, particularly regarding Afghan specialist units like the Triples, reflects its dedication to righting past wrongs. Despite previous delays, it has made significant progress and its ongoing efforts demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility toward those who supported UK forces.
Establishment-critical narrative
These resettlement application denials left behind hundreds of Afghani soldiers, who fought alongside British troops, to fend against the Taliban. As a result, many have already been tortured or killed. This scandal can't be remedied by apology and reform — justice must be served to those who abandoned British allies in order to cover up the extent of their crimes.