On the working level, relationships between male and female soldiers also were correct, many troops said.

Relations with most other allies went well, the returning troops said.

Russian troops say they need to do more to prevent rebel attacks.

"We are leaving, troops," Howard said, loud enough for his force to hear.

But these days, the troops say, the major enemy is boredom.

In this case, sir, I will ask him to report on what the troops say to each other.

But the French troops said they had had little success in dealing with the violence.

Black troops said they could do it in four days.

"The troops say they have orders to arrest all who leave here, including the ambassador and me," he said.

Whatever he says of anti-imperialism, his troops in Afghanistan say more.