Australia’s exit bitter sweet end

PM TONY Abbott’s surprise visit to Afghanistan, and his announcement that the war for Australia in that country was ending, is bitter sweet.

PM TONY Abbott's surprise visit to Afghanistan, and his announcement that the war for Australia in that country was ending, is bitter sweet.

For Linda, Don and Dale Birt, and for the many who knew and loved Ashley - the popular and handsome young Gympie man who died on a tour of duty in that country exactly two years ago yesterday - Australia's longest military engagement will forever be its most devastating.

Though Australian troops will start pulling out of Afghanistan imminently, the country will remain a dangerous one; corrupt and violent.

More than 20,000 Australians have served there since 2001 - 260 were wounded and 40 were killed in action.

Australia will leave behind 300-400 trainers and advisors, and more than 200 schools, health clinics and roads.

We can be proud of what our men and women achieved there.