Damage control: British 'itched to join' USA but had no trackers or becuz of the deal made with the enemy?

Question

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article4474054.ece

Answer 1

The problem is mission tasking and focus.

British commanders interpret their mission as given to them by their political masters as firstly peacekeeping and secondly training the local forces.

Their mission is NOT "go to Iraq and fight insurgents.

This means that they end up doing what the soldier hates the most and that is patrolling around in soft skinned vehicles being shot at without being able to retailiate effectively or go on the offensive.

Attach an average British outfit to an American battle group and you would then see the fantastic war fighting qualities of the British Squaddie.

Instead they are fed up and muzzled.

In the case of Basra there was a well known deal and actually it was the right one, and that was as follows.

Mission Objectives

Take Basra in war fighting - Achieved in 2003

Re-establish civil order

Re-establish local government and infrstastructure

Hand over to local Iraqi army and Police

Leave town and scale back to training support operation whilst gradually withdrawing troops.

That was the mission.

Therefore when the British left the centre of Basra and handed over control to local Iraqi forces  the deal was that they would leave and keep out of Iraqi affairs in return for the Mahdi Army to stop fighting and engage with the government.

That happened and the British side of the bargain was that they would leave military affairs and policing to the Iraqis, which they did.

Trouble is that the Iraqis lost control and called on the americans for help. The British have to convert their deployment from a training posture to an offensive posture which as any military person will tell you, is totally different.

Personally I think that soldiers should only be used when you allow them to use their training and fight with no restrictions. If you want policemen, then use policemen.

Answer 2

Typical situation for our armed forces, having to rely on some useless t**t in government to give the OK. Almost as pathetic as the irish cards.

Answer 3

I am glad it has nothing to do with the labour party relying on prominent muslims for its funds.

Answer 4

Don't think the Brits have a deal with some warlord or anyone else.  I understood we were looking after Basra airfield or something like that, so what are we doing going into town for?