Iraq costs under fire

The human cost of Britain's engagement in conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, causing more than one front-line deployable soldier in five to be unfit, injured or channelled into administrative duties, was revealed by The Herald yesterday. Overstretch has taken an all-too-clear toll. Also yesterday, the Commons Defence Committee published a report disclosing the capital costs of military operations in both countries. The findings of this report are also a cause for concern. Fighting counter-insurgency campaigns does not come cheaply and no-one should begrudge the investment needed to equip, protect, pay and support British troops who put their lives on the line.