Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – U.S. Vice President JD Vance has ignited a firestorm of criticism after referring to the UK as “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years” while dismissing a proposed Anglo-French peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. His remarks, made during a Fox News interview, have been met with anger from British politicians, veterans, and analysts, who see them as an insult to the UK’s military contributions in conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
Afghanistan, in particular, remains a crucial part of the UK’s modern military history. Following the 9/11 attacks, Britain was a key ally of the United States in the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, aimed at dismantling the Taliban regime and eliminating al-Qaeda’s safe havens. Over two decades, more than 150,000 British troops served in Afghanistan, making it one of the UK’s longest and most complex military engagements. The conflict claimed the lives of 457 British service members, with thousands more wounded, underscoring the sacrifices made alongside American forces.
James Cartlidge, the UK’s shadow defence secretary, rebuked Vance’s remarks, highlighting the UK’s deep involvement in Afghanistan. “Britain and France stood by the U.S. in Afghanistan, deploying thousands of personnel. Ignoring such service and sacrifice is deeply disrespectful,” he said.
Johnny Mercer, a former British Army officer who served in Afghanistan, also condemned Vance’s comments, calling him “a clown” and reminding him of the realities of war. Mercer pointed out that while Vance had served in the U.S. Marines, he acknowledged in his memoir that he was “lucky to escape any real fighting.”
Vance later claimed his comments were misinterpreted, stating that he had not directly referred to the UK or France. However, his remarks come amid growing tensions between Washington and its European allies over military support for Ukraine. The Trump administration has paused military aid to Kyiv, arguing that economic agreements, rather than troops, provide a better security guarantee against future Russian aggression.
The controversy has reignited debates over the UK’s military legacy, particularly in Afghanistan, where British forces played a crucial role in counterinsurgency operations, governance support, and humanitarian efforts. Afghanistan remains a key part of Britain’s international security strategy, even after the withdrawal of Western troops in 2021.
With geopolitical shifts affecting Afghanistan’s future, the UK’s role in global security remains vital. Vance’s dismissive comments not only undermine long-standing military alliances but also raise concerns about America’s commitment to its European partners.
