Decorated Highlands retired RAF wing commander asks was Afghanistan conflict worth heavy loss of life
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A decorated retired RAF wing commander in Inverness is pondering whether his service in Afghanistan was worth it.
Steve Walsh, who is the chief executive of High Life Highland, was initially there as the captain of the first Nimrod MR2 mission over Afghanistan – one month after the 9/11 terror attacks in America.
“We were on, what was then called, the War on Terror,” he said. “It was something we believed would change life for people in the region, and for 20 years, that is exactly what happened.
"There were huge improvements in Afghan society, not least the freedom for women and young girls to live a normal life, simple things like the right to go to school and access culture, even to listen to music.”
The unfolding situation in Afghanistan has seen the Taliban seize power in just a week – much quicker than foreseen by the US and UK governments and military, prompting international concern.
They are now in control of the capital Kabul with the US military and allies retaining control of Kabul Airport where residents have attempted to flee following the withdrawal of troops.
Mr Walsh said: “We must urgently try to protect those people who do not want to be there, but particularly those people who have strong links to the allied forces’ response, as they are likely to be in grave danger and we have a moral responsibility to provide safe passage and shelter to these brave Afghans and their families."
“Given my own experience, as I have lost many friends and colleagues in the Afghan conflict, and for the many fellow veterans who still live in the Highlands who continue to suffer with mental health conditions because of their experience in Afghanistan, this is a hugely worrying and difficult time.
“My thoughts are with anyone who is suffering with PTSD as well as the families of the fallen and those who are still in Afghanistan.”
He continued: “When ex-servicemen and women have experienced being in the middle of the conflict and losing friends from home and in Afghanistan, this latest news about the Taliban taking control is going to concern and worry them.
“It may also lead to an escalation in veteran mental ill health and wellbeing, due to the situation we are now in.
“Among the people we closely worked with, there is much to be worried about. We worked alongside Afghan police, Afghan army, interpreters and of course all of their families – we are thinking of them.
“I have no doubt that they will be persecuted if they supported the allied forces.”
Mr Walsh also served in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2009.
“We lost 457 military personnel in Afghanistan,” Mr Walsh recalled. “Distressingly, at least 70,000 Afghans have also perished.
“I have three immediate thoughts. The first is that it looks like we are walking away. It is unimaginable that this would be the case but that is the perception that has been created in the chaos of withdrawal.
“The second is that this has all escalated very quickly. I would like to understand how or why that happened.
“The third is that people who served in the military in Afghanistan must be thinking ‘was it worth it?’ In fact, I am asking myself the same question.
“If something was so important within our lifetime, I am surprised that it is not as important now.”
Meanwhile, Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson has responded to the developing situation in Afghanistan and offered support to take refugees fleeing the crisis.
“It is heart-breaking to see the harrowing scenes in Afghanistan as people flee the country ahead of the changing regime,” she said.
“The Highland Council will respond positively to requests to local authorities from the UK government to receive some refugee families into Highland through the resettlement scheme. I am sure fellow councillors and communities will agree that we must do our bit to help these people at such a time of crisis.”
Anyone impacted by these events can contact Help for Heroes on 0300 303 9888 and its Hidden Wounds services by visiting www.helpforheroes.
org.uk/get-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/hidden-wounds-service or call Combat Stress on 0800 138 1619.
