Hi there. Back in November last year, Kate, Madeleine and I drove out of Austin, Texas, and headed for Killeen. It's a town full of army-outfitters, hairdressers, tattoo parlours and dry cleaners, and sits right next door to the vast Fort Hood military base.
We arrived only 2 hours before going on air and started looking for US servicemen and women who'd be happy to speak with you all about any aspect of being in the US military.
We soon had a group of friendly, funny and honest young men and women sitting in a hairdresser's. It made for one of the most interesting shows I've done on WHYS. And from the messages that you all sent in, I know that the vast majority of you warmed to them, even if you opposed US military action in Iraq or Afghanistan.
So when the news started coming through from Fort Hood, it was that group of five that I thought of. Here's a picture of them. I sincerely hope that they're OK.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbc_whys/3043...57609199739718/ON AIR: ARE AMERICANS AND THE BRITISH LOSING THE WILL TO FIGHT?
There are any number of issues being raised not just about the shooting at Fort Hood, but by various events this week in Afghanistan. We'll have a free-flowing discussion around them all today. In no particular order...
- It seems clear that the attacker at Fort Hood didn't want to go Iraq. We don't know his reasons, but are more and more US soldiers unconvinced by the reasons to be fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan?
- If your country's troops are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, do feel your support for their mission is decreasing?
- Is the Fort Hood attacker's Muslim faith in any way relevant?
- Do attacks that come from colleagues (the Afghan 'policeman' who attacked British troops, Major Nidal Malik Hasae in Fort Hood) have more of an impact on soldiers' morale than regular hostile activity?
- Is there a period of time after which it becomes very hard to maintain morale in a conflict? (Several of you have pointed out that Afghanistan has gone on years longer than the Second World War.)
- Are serving soldiers affected by the continual debate about whether their mission is justified and can be achieved?
- Do you fear a war without end in Afghanistan?
Post here:
http://www.worldhaveyoursay.comLatest on Fort Hood:
http://www.bbcnews.comJOB MAP
Mark sent this round yesterday and I thought I'd pass it on. If you want an illustration of the impact of the economic downturn on America, I've not seen better. Just click 'play' and watch.
http://tipstrategies.com/archive/geography-of-jobs/NEW ARRIVALS
Liz in Cyprus, Kumi from Central Equatoria State in Sudan, Ohisa also in Sudan, Robert and Elisha in Virginia, and Tom in Boston, thanks for signing up.
FOREVER YOUNG
Following on from my mention of Mbuyu, who's a 14 year old Zambian who's new to the Daily Email, several of you replied....
'Hi Ros!
I am 26 so not as young as Mbuyu but I do feel young and I do know other listeners that are younger than me that listen to you and the team. The appeal is growing!
Take Care and keep up the outstanding journalism
Cheers,
Sanjay'
'Hi
I'm 14 years old and I listen to your programme daily. After asking many of my friends at school many of them agree that being "up to date" and knowing what is going on in the world and seeing them from another persons point of view is very useful and interesting. I am a great fan of this programme and I think its great that this programme unites people from around the globe to talk about issues that are of interest to everyone. Just wanted to show my appreciation :)
Sam'
We're flattered. Thanks Sanjay and Sam.
"I would have liked to insult you, but the sad truth is that you wouldn't understand me." -Unknown
On Air: 6 November 2009, Is British and American resolve weakenin
