Britain sits on sidelines as Iraq’s Basra burns

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.ae/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2008/March/focusoniraq_March174.xml§ion=focusoniraq

28 March 2008

LONDON - Britain ruled out deploying any troops to the Iraqi city of Basra on Friday, despite days of intense battles on the streets and signs Iraq’s forces cannot cope with a growing militant uprising.

U.S. war planes dropped bombs on rebel areas in an effort to help the Iraqi army regain control of the city, but Britain said its 4,100 heavily armed troops, based at an airport a few kilometres (miles) from the centre, would not join in.

“This is an Iraqi-led operation and it’s one that we have wanted to see since they took responsibility for security in Basra,” said a spokesman for Britain’s Ministry of Defence.

“It’s going to take time, but it shows the Iraqi government’s political will in taking on the militants.”

At least 120 people described by the Iraqi government as enemy fighters have been killed and 450 wounded in four days of intense fighting, which began after Iraq’s prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, decided to take on militant groups in the city.

Britain is providing logistical support and treating some of the Iraqi army wounded on its base, Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s spokesman said, reiterating the Iraqis were in charge.

Yet despite Britain’s expression of confidence in Iraqi forces its troops have helped train, there are signs Iraq’s army is struggling to contain what is a widening conflict.

[malaise]

1. Do you think those Brits plan to be killed by

the US bombs?

Things are going swimmingly!! The surge is working. Move along. :sarcasm:

[ConcernedCanuk]

2. Didn't the Brits get their asses kicked in the '20s in Iraq?

.
.
.

Maybe they thought back in 2003 with the "Coalition of the Willing" they could "get even"?

But realize now that the USA can't beat them either - so are backing off.

There is no good reason for the USA to be in Iraq.

Or Afghanistan

Other than to surround Iran.

One has to wonder what them carriers in the Gulf and the Mediterranean are up to.

It ain't about protecting the USA,

It's about domination.

That's how I see it.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

3. K&R

and a question.

Are you putting all of your posts in your journal or in a single place for archival purposes?

You are documenting the Iraq occupation at length. Hats off.

Please keep the record.

[apocalypsehow]

4. This OP deserves more attention than it's getting. K & R.

n/t.