UK to Increase Force in Afghanistan?

Gordon Brown has completed a surprise visit to Afghanistan I read.  There are two things that this immediately brings to mind, in the form of two questions: one of them is if Gordon Brown, or indeed the Labour party,  stands for anything anymore?  The second is what role are British forces playing in Afghanistan? 

Firstly then, what is the purpose of a Labour government which insists in not only fighting two major conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. But now seems keen not only to continue our commitment to Afghanistan, but in fact increase it?!  One might expect this from a conservative government, but if labour is not there to stand in the way of conflicts and injustice what is its purpose as a political party?  At least Tony Blaire was a great leader, and one felt like he might have some kind of direction.  Brown just seems bereft of purpose.  One feels like a stand against the war in Afghanistan would at least give him the impression of having some principles, or make him an interesting Politian.  Alas, one can’t help but feel that this is what he seeks to avoid.  Dull and un-remarkable that he is, truly nostalgia can be had for the days of Blaire, whereas at least people said our leader was a total bastards. These days I rather suppose no one even knows who he is.

Furthermore, it is surely to be questioned why we are insisting in staying in Afghanistan.  It can’t help but be noticed that the Taliban are still a strong force in Afghanistan, which seems to be to imply a degree of popular support.  Yes, I realize that this is an unpopular idea, but perhaps its time that we accepted that the UK simply doesn’t have the power to inflict its ideals of liberal western democracy on the world anymore.  Thus it may be time to let countries decide their own fate, but struggle and evolution, like it should be.  Give our lack of power to command imperial aspirations, why are we playing at it?  

I would argue that not only clear that the UK has no moral obligation to Afghanistan, but furthermore it shouldn’t have one.  International relations should be about pragmatic self interest, and I just fail to see where are interest lies in this state, which is mainly concerned with the export of drugs.