Army chief called in to explain 'quit Iraq' appeal

[cal04]

TONY BLAIR’S foreign policy was in tatters last night after the head of the Army said that the continued presence of British troops in Iraq was responsible for bloodshed at home and abroad.

The scathing comments by General Sir Richard Dannatt directly contradict the Prime Minister, who has repeatedly claimed that the invasion of Iraq played no role in galvanising Muslim extremism in Britain and bringing about the 7/7 bombings.

Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, last night ordered Sir Richard to report for a meeting at the ministry this morning where his future will be discussed.

(snip)
If Sir Richard has spoken out without consultation with or the approval of the other Service chiefs, and, in particular, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of the Defence Staff, it will place him in an isolated position and make him vulnerable to demands that he should resign. Traditionally, Service chiefs who oppose government policy would be expected to step down. However, Sir Richard, in his outspoken interview with the Daily Mail, has clearly decided to make a bold stand because of his serious concerns both for the safety of British troops in Iraq and for the deteriorating security situation in the country where sectarian violence has erupted in the past 18 months.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2402108,00.ht...

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. Just you watch. This is going to be impossible to gloss over.

The facade is about to cave in.

[Greeby]

2. Just for disclosure, "Jock" Stirrup is my uncle nt

[Kali]

4. I was going to comment on the odd name.

My Grandfather had a friend by the name of Bud Roach.

[catnhatnh]

5. My GOD....

What a fantabulous name! Best to you uncle, but his name belongs in a Peter Sellers movie....

[Greeby]

7. We don't like him and have nowt to do with him

He's an empty suit whose always been embarassed by his father (an infinitely braver man, IMO)

[catnhatnh]

8. Well then....

second best-yet still a soldier and all.....

[TheBaldyMan]

6. sounds more like a surgical appliance !

Maybe the General has decided he'd rather go to the wall rather than carry on crapping on his troops' heads.

Blair & Co. have continuously ignored military advice since 9/11 maybe this will finally force Downing St. to U-turn on PFI and privatisation of the MoD and make adequate provision for the armed forces.

[Eugene]

3. Gee, that didn't take long. Did it?

The General will probably retract that statement,
but other British official have spoken out too.
Things were in tatters before he spoke out.

[0007]

9. I hope he doesn't back down!

[rodeodance]

10. Sir Richard ----THANK YOU for thyou courage and honesty. I wish our

Generals would follow your lead.

[grytpype]

11. Anyone who tells the truth will be punished.

To protect Duhbya, the truth will be murdered, along with 600,000+ Iraqis and 2700+ Americans.

[IndianaGreen]

12. I see the poodle Blair punishes his military as his Master Bush does

whenever a general officer dares to speak the truth.