Q: In this task, we ask you to elaborate the sentence without changing its general meaning. You can do so by explaining further the input sentence, using more precise wording, adding qualifiers and auxiliary information etc.
Given the number of casualties , the importance of the island 's capture was controversial .
A:
In hindsight , given the number of casualties , the necessity and long-term significance of the island 's capture to the outcome of the war became a contentious issue and remains disputed .