Booze in Basra

No, Basra is not in Afghanistan, but the following quote from Col. Patrick Saunders, the last British commander in Basra, has a special relevance for me:

"I found it had a very important role to play in easing grief and helping people unwind. And I found a glass of whisky at the end of an operation helped me unwind. We should not be too prudish about the small vices: drinking and smoking -- they can be great comforts in times of danger."

Well said.

From the Foreign Policy piece by Tom Ricks.