Papers split on UK Afghan mission

As the Independent on Sunday points out on Remembrance Day, the UK's mission in Afghanistan is under heavy scrutiny.

Under the headline "Time to leave" , its front-page features an excerpt from an editorial in which it calls for a phased withdrawal of British forces.

However, the Sunday Express believes that it is "absolutely imperative" that UK troops do not withdraw.

The News of the World says that the public opposes the war because the government has dithered for too long.

Tactical withdrawal?

The Sunday Times reports that Army chiefs are planning to withdraw UK troops from some bases in Afghanistan .

The paper believes the retrenchment towards holding only larger towns would be a significant change of strategy.

According to the Sunday Telegraph and the Sunday Mirror , members of the Cabinet have begun to question the future of the combat mission.

One is quoted by the Telegraph saying that there is growing frustration about the direction of the campaign.

Cashing in

The Observer claims to have obtained documents showing the government is planning to cut hundreds of thousands of training places and apprenticeships.

The paper says Gordon Brown stands accused of misleading the public over his much-vaunted plans to help young people through the recession.

Meanwhile, the head of the Goldman Sachs bank makes some comments in the Sunday Times that will raise eyebrows.

Lloyd Goldfein says that banks serve a "social purpose" and "do God's work" .

Fun run

The Mail on Sunday and the Sunday Mirror both report that Gordon Brown has taken up jogging.

The prime minister is photographed in tracksuit bottoms, trainers and polo shirt doing a one-mile circuit through a park in London.

According to the Mail, he is limbering up for the next general election.

But the paper's political editor notes that Mr Brown is still not in the sort of shape that would secure him a place at the London 2012 Olympics.

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