Iraq situation 'calm' says Hoon

[Barrett808]

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has said the security situation in Iraq is generally "calm", despite the death of another British soldier.

Mr Hoon told the BBC life was returning to normal in British-controlled areas.

Corporal Ian Plank, 31, of Poole in Dorset, was killed by hostile fire on 31 October, it emerged on Tuesday.

He is the 19th member of the UK armed forces to die in Iraq since the end of major hostilities was declared on 1 May, and the 52nd since the war began.

'No complacency'

The US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz has said continuing attacks in Iraq threaten efforts to rebuild the country.

But Mr Hoon, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, said: "In most parts of Iraq and in most parts of Baghdad, the security situation is very calm."

(more)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3242755.stm

[fizzana]

1. Calm compared to what?

It's calm compared to the battle of Stalingrad.

[hail to the thief]

2. So True

absolutely hysterical fizzana. These guys are idiots, have no grasp of history.