Andy Allen: Our dream of better Afghanistan has unravelled + Northern Ireland soldiers who were killed while serving in Afghanistan

Good afternoon

Welcome to you daily news update.
In today's print edition and online military veteran Andy Allen, now an Ulster Unionist MLA, who served an operational tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2008 talks about his experiences in the country and gives his view from an ordinary soldier’s perspective.
We also remember the Northern Ireland soldiers who were killed while serving in Afghanistan.
Nine soldiers from Northern Ireland were killed after going to Afghanistan to neutralise the Taliban and bring peace and stability to the region.

In other news:
* Placing of Ronan Kerr’s name on bonfire a hate crime: Donaldson.
The placing of a banner bearing the name of a murdered police officer on a republican bonfire has been branded “disgraceful” by DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
* New push to increase vaccination rates in ‘Big Jab Weekend’.
The Department of Health has announced a ‘Big Jab Weekend’ to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
* Founder of War Years Remembered museum pleads to politicians as closure looms.
The founder of a military museum which is under threat of closure has made a direct plea to Northern Ireland’s political leaders to find a new home for his collection.
Have a good day
Michael Cousins

Acting Managing Editor
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