15 APRIL 2011, - FRIENDS' LECTURE, LIEUT COLONEL ANDREW ROE ON WAZIRISTAN
16th April 2011

The Friends of the Green Howards Museum enjoyed a fascinating lecture last night, which provided a valuable insight into current activities in Afghanistan and its neighbouring region, Waziristan.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Roe, who is now the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment (the Green Howards), has not only served in Afghanistan but has also researched conflict in Waziristan for a Ph.D thesis. This research has been icluded in a book "Waging War in Afghanistan" which Colonel Roe has authored, and which has recently been published.

All profits from this book are being donated to the charity "Help for Heroes", and all Friends are very much encouraged to purchase a copy.

In his lecture, Colonel Roe explained the complexity of the situation with respect to Waziristan. He described a country which was extremely difficult to operate in, - where borders meant little, and where the tribesmen were highly independent-minded individuals who had never been conquered. The tribal groups were constantly at war with each other, and revenge was a key factor.

The history of this region with respect to the colonial past was outlined, and how this history had provided some very hard earned lessons. These lessons provided some hope for a way forward, but the situation in Waziristan remains extremely complex and possibly insolvable.

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