Laying the groundwork for a bloody and drawn-out conflict in Afghanistan

Bob Ainsworth's first major speech as defence secretary reflects fears that the military campaign is becoming unpopular at home

"It goes to the heart of this country's national security and to the core of our national interests," he said, adding: "The entire region in which Afghanistan sits is of vital strategic importance to the United Kingdom."

Laying the groundwork for a bloody and drawn-out conflict in ... guardian