Day 133 Week 18

Well it's finally begun for real. The biggest operation out there ever. Four thousand British involved and they started flying them in last night. Moshtarak means together and let's hope it doesn't rip us apart.

Actually haven't slept - News 24 a mixed blessing. It keeps you informed minute by minute, hour by hour, but it's completely addictive. Fellow soldier's Mum been up all night too and wonder how many nocturnal mothers, wives and girlfriends there were keeping the digital vigil. And of course fathers, brothers and boyfriends, wonder if the masculine version of removed involvement manifests itself in the same reaction.

The prior publicity was a calculated risk to try and prevent as many civilian casualties as possible, but the 'signposting' has been controversial. Telling your enemy just exactly what you intend to do runs contrary to the usual strategy of warfare. Pre-emptive strike or 'blitzkrieg' meaning lightning-war, with the element of the totally unexpected has long been acknowledged as the most efficient method of attack. But the new policy out there is to try to build bridges with the locals and not regard them as separate from the struggle, 'hearts and minds' being the tactic to long term success. Well that's the theory.

Although, mercifully, things seem to have gone better than expected so far, it would appear that the local population have fled the battlezone along with the Talliban, so despite a larger area being secured than expected, there are no hearts and minds left to be nurtured. Panther's Claw was the last big push and although it was nominally successful, with horrendous consequences for the casualty rate, gradually the Talliban have returned to their homeland as there was no policy of maintaining stabilisation after the hostilities ceased. This time though, the ANA will step in and that should hopefully fill the gap.

The sight of the soldiers amassed in front of their commanding officer on the eve of battle, with the roll call of regiments included was the key to the tears flowing. They look so young and we expose them to such horrors.

On a lighter note it's the twenty-first party of a dearest friend's son tonight, and he's one of C's oldest and best buddies so will go along to wish him well on the symbolic entrance to his adult life, and toast absent friends.

Can't decide whether to go for a walk or snuggle up for snooze this afternoon. Do I sound old? Probably, but it's the fall out from watching TV all night.

A poor athlete from Georgia was killed in a training session prior to the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics yesterday RIP, but after much soul-searching the luge event will go ahead in his honour. Who would have thought that he would be the headline death today, the twist of cruelty which fate imparts just goes to show you never really know.

R just arrived home afterall, and she looks very tired. Not heard from H but am about to e-mail him. Phone welded to my side but somehow think C may not be able to ring home today.

God bless them all.

Speak soon. A soldier's Mum