Mackay was in line for key Afghan role

Published on Saturday 26 September 2009 21:17

THE general who resigned as Scotland's top soldier last week was in line for a key job in Afghanistan negotiating with the Taleban to end their insurgency.

Major-General Andrew Mackay had been sounded out for the job when visited in Edinburgh last month by General David Petraeus, the US commander in the Afghan conflict.

Friends of Mackay say the job was tempting – but he had decided some months ago to leave the army after becoming disillusioned with the UK government's attitude to the war.

The loss of the man earmarked for such a crucial job is a damaging blow to Gordon Brown's credibility on Afghanistan. Mackay had been privately critical about the Prime Minister's personal commitment to the British forces' operation.

The new organisation Mackay was being lined up to lead would be similar to the Force Strategic Engagement Cell (FSEC) in Iraq, which successfully persuaded Sunni militants to end their insurgency.

This initiative – which became known as "the Sunni awakening" – is seen as a turning point in the Iraqi conflict.

In Afghanistan, as part of the UN-backed International Security Force, the job would be to "reconcile" Taleban commanders to the western-backed government in Kabul.

Mackay was experienced in this area – key Afghan leaders in Helmand province during his time as commander of British forces there in 2008 were former Taleban commanders who had changed sides.

The job offer dictated the timing of Mackay's resignation – the year-long Afghan posting was due to start next month.

Mackay, 52, yesterday declined to comment on the reasons for his departure. But friends confirmed that he had become frustrated at the lack of a coherent strategy between all the UK agencies and military forces operating in Helmand, and the lack of adequate transport and manpower.

Another factor was the possibility of a reorganisation of the army structure in Scotland putting at risk the future of 2 Division, which Mackay currently commands. It covers four brigades – one in Scotland, one in Northern Ireland and two in the north of England.

Friends also said Mackay was angry at the way the announcement of his resignation had been handled by the Ministry of Defence, which initially suggested his reasons for leaving were "personal", leading to unfounded speculation.