Twenty years ago, NATO forces entered Afghanistan to restore order to a country driven by bloodshed and barbarism.
That occupation will end this weekend, with the final withdrawal of allied troops.
Thousands of British military personnel served in Afghanistan with valour and dedication. Far too many paid the ultimate price.
It is no reflection on their efforts that they leave under the same cloud of violence and disorder which was there when they arrived.
As feared, the evacuation descended into carnage yesterday when terrorists launched two bomb attacks at Kabul airport.
What was already a chaotic process has now become a deadly race to rescue as many people as possible in the hours remaining.
Many Afghans face the choice of staying at home and risking reprisals or trying to escape through an airport targeted by terrorists.
As we shudder at their plight we should ask why this two-decade military operation has ended so tragically and disastrously.
Jabs life saver
More than 100,000 lives have been saved in England alone thanks to the Covid vaccine.
The jabs have also prevented tens of thousands of people from having to go to hospital and has impeded the spread of infections.
This achievement is a testament to the scientists who developed the vaccine so rapidly, and to the NHS staff and volunteers who enabled its smooth rollout.
But it also underlines why those who have yet to take up the opportunity to have the jab should do so. They are not just reducing the danger to themselves but to others.
Big winners
It was Phyllis Porter’s good fortune that she won £1million on the Mirror’s famousscratchcard game.
Despite scooping the jackpot she stayed in the same house, kept her small car and continued to read her favourite paper. It is our good fortune to have
