Afghanistan war strategy 'flawed'

Concerns have been raised over the equipment for soldiers in Afghanistan

There are major equipment problems for British troops in Afghanistan and the strategy there is flawed, according to a defence analyst.

Dr Richard North has been speaking ahead of a debate on the conflict, at Victoria College in Jersey.

Islanders will discuss the war and other defence issues in a format like the BBC's Question Time programme.

The British government has stressed its strategy is to help develop a stable democracy in the country.

However Dr North, who is one of the panellists, said there is a clear difficulty with such tactics.

"We are the problem because we are seen as an occupying force," he said.

Peter Troy, the event organiser, told BBC News: "I and a number of other people feel it is not being discussed in sufficient detail.

"There are a lot of questions that need a lot of answers."

The UK Ministry of Defence website says: "We are working hard towards a common goal - to develop a self-sustaining, stable and democratic Afghanistan.

"Real progress has been made in the last five years, but clearly there will be many challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.

"It is important to remember that the institutions of a functioning democracy are being established from scratch.

"Children, including girls, are back in school. Women are participating in political life."