THE DANGERS OF TRANSLATION

Foreign wars need interpreters. Soldiers need to know where they are going, and where the enemy are hiding. Modern technology (satellites, GPS systems, better mapping) can do a lot of the heavy lifting, as they say, but local "intel" is still important. And if that intel comes from local people, then you need to be able to talk to them. In Iraq and Afghanistan, that means in languages unfamiliar to the vast majority of Western military forces. Which in turn means hiring local interpreters, who can speak technical English.

Recognising their value, interpreters and their families are prime targets for the likes of the Taliban. Although well-paid by local standards, the job is extremely dangerous; and it stays dangerous, even when those Western military forces leave. Which is why most countries offer their interpreters asylum, and the chance to start a new life in a safe (or, at least, safer) environment. Since every interpreter has almost certainly directly saved foreign lives, it is only reasonable for the foreigners to repay the compliment.

Denmark did this with its Iraqi translators, and is now mulling over doing the same with those in Afghanistan. An opinion poll shows that 71% of the population supports the idea, 80% amongst those who voted for the centre-left Government or Enhedslisten. So why hesitate?

The answer, as ever, is worries about immigration. Putting it bluntly, being nice to interpreters means more black or brown (i.e. non-European) faces in Denmark. Sadly, in today's world, that causes all Danish politicians, of whatever stripe, to hesitate. You would have thought that those same politicians would have thought this through before they gaily sent off troops to fight battles a long way from home. But like the decision to go to war itself, it all looks a bit easier from a desk in Christiansborg.

My guess is that the pressure to do what other countries have already done will outweigh those hesitations. But it will all be very grudging, and leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Not the best welcome for an Afghani interpreter starting a new life in a foreign country.

Walter Blotscher