Head of the British Army calls for Britain to quit Iraq.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 5:37 pm

In the Daily Mail tomorrow the head of Britain's Army has basically said that the war is turning into a bit of a diaster and the British army should get out as soon as possible, and is by implication saying that the British government don't know what they are doing in terms of military and foreign policy. In my recollection its pretty much an unprecendented statement by the senior military leader of British forces in modern history. I knew the situation was bad, but obviously the Government in Britain are not listening to what the army is saying so this man has gone public. I'm not sure how Mr. Blair and Des Brown are going to spin this one, as the General can't be dismissed as a cannabis smoking peace nik, so thoughts anyone?

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:46 am

Have a read for yourself

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/d ... ge_id=1766

It's all over the TV as well. Daily mail is an intersting choice, usually seen as a tory rag.

labour rag take on it

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006470679,00.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6046332.stm

Apparebntly he has a meeting this mornong with the defence secretary.

For a senior military to speak out lke this is unheard of, usually they wait till they leave the service and write their memoirs.

Good for him.

Bored_Wombat · Post by **Bored_Wombat** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:40 am

Galbally wrote: I'm not sure how Mr. Blair and Des Brown are going to spin this one, as the General can't be dismissed as a cannabis smoking peace nik, so thoughts anyone?

Tell Mr Blair that I agree with the General.

zinkyusa · Post by **zinkyusa** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 5:29 am

Now we just need the American Chief of Staff to say this..

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 6:38 am

Galbally wrote: In my recollection its pretty much an unprecendented statement by the senior military leader of British forces in modern history.

Dr. G

I was astounded when I heard this.

He's right, though

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 8:24 am

Diuretic wrote: I was listening to the BBC World Service and the General was being interviewed and I think was backing off a bit. But there was an interesting analysis of his comments as well. Blair and the govt won't like it a bit but this bloke is a professional soldier and telling it like he sees it. From the interview and comment seemed to me that he is worried that Iraq/Afghanistan has the ability to do significant damage to the British military.

I think he is really only reflecting the facts as they are happening on the ground in Iraq, which is obviously a mess. What the repercussions of the head of the army saying such things remains to be seen. I don't think Mr Blair is going to have much to smile about by the time he leaves office.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 9:51 am

ArnoldLayne wrote: I think, as usual, it will all go through one ear and out the other. He couldnt possibly face up to his mistakes and admit his short comings. He's far to vainglorious to do that. He was wrong to go into Iraq and his Generals are telling him that. He wont listen, he'll be quite content to sacrifice more young lives simply to write himself into the history books, along with the puppetmaster. If the Generals on the ground can face up to the realities of war, we should expect our leaders to do the same. I wont be holding my breath though

I think you are right, he obviously made a huge mistake going into Iraq and its damage limitation all round at this stage. Thats gonna be his legacy whatever else good he has done. Well, he has no one to blame, he decided this one all by himself.