Army chief says UK presence is worsening Iraq situation
Army chief says UK presence is worsening Iraq situation
By Stephen Fidler and James Blitz
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2006
Published: October 13 2006 03:00 | Last updated: October 13 2006 03:00
Britain's new army chief has said UK forces should leave Iraq soon because they are making the security problem there worse.
In unusually frank remarks from a serving soldier that suggest he disagrees with government policy that calls for troops to stay until Iraqi security forces can take over, General Sir Richard Dannatt said Britain should "get ourselves out sometime soon because our presence exacerbates the security problems".
In comments reported in today's Daily Mail, the chief of the general staff said foreign forces may be welcomed into a country. But "the military campaign we fought in 2003 effectively kicked the door in. Whatever consent we may have had in the first place, may have turned to tolerance and has largely turned to intolerance.
"That is a fact. I don't say that the difficulties we are experiencing round the world are caused by our presence in Iraq but undoubtedly our presence in Iraq exacerbates them."
He also criticised the quality of planning for what happened after the fall of Baghdad. "I think history will show that the planning for what happened after the initial successful fighting phase was poor, probably based more on optimism than sound planning."
The general said the US-led coalition in Iraq would have to settle for less than the original ambition of a pro-western liberal democracy that was an exemplar for the region. "That was the hope, whether that was a sensible or naïve hope, history will judge. I think we should aim for a lower ambition."
He expressed more optimism that "we can get it right in Afghanistan". But he added: "We can't wish the Islamist challenge to our society away and I believe that the army both in Iraq and Afghanistan and probably wherever we go next, is fighting the foreign dimension of the challenge to our accepted way of life."
Downing Street is certain to argue today that, despite the army chief's comments, Britain will stick to its commitment to maintain a military presence in Iraq until the country's own security forces are fully trained.
The Ministry of Defence said last night: "We are there with our international partners in support of the democratically elected government of Iraq under a clear United Nations mandate."
However, the army chief's comments are certain to be a blow to Tony Blair as he seeks to maintain political authority in his final months in Downing Street.
The general appears to have decided to reflect the strong view within the army that it has been overstretched by the burden the government has placed upon it.
In today's interview, Sir Richard added: "I am going to stand up for what is right for the army. Honesty is what it is about. The truth will out."
By Stephen Fidler and James Blitz
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2006
Published: October 13 2006 03:00 | Last updated: October 13 2006 03:00
Britain's new army chief has said UK forces should leave Iraq soon because they are making the security problem there worse.
In unusually frank remarks from a serving soldier that suggest he disagrees with government policy that calls for troops to stay until Iraqi security forces can take over, General Sir Richard Dannatt said Britain should "get ourselves out sometime soon because our presence exacerbates the security problems".
In comments reported in today's Daily Mail, the chief of the general staff said foreign forces may be welcomed into a country. But "the military campaign we fought in 2003 effectively kicked the door in. Whatever consent we may have had in the first place, may have turned to tolerance and has largely turned to intolerance.
"That is a fact. I don't say that the difficulties we are experiencing round the world are caused by our presence in Iraq but undoubtedly our presence in Iraq exacerbates them."
He also criticised the quality of planning for what happened after the fall of Baghdad. "I think history will show that the planning for what happened after the initial successful fighting phase was poor, probably based more on optimism than sound planning."
The general said the US-led coalition in Iraq would have to settle for less than the original ambition of a pro-western liberal democracy that was an exemplar for the region. "That was the hope, whether that was a sensible or naïve hope, history will judge. I think we should aim for a lower ambition."
He expressed more optimism that "we can get it right in Afghanistan". But he added: "We can't wish the Islamist challenge to our society away and I believe that the army both in Iraq and Afghanistan and probably wherever we go next, is fighting the foreign dimension of the challenge to our accepted way of life."
Downing Street is certain to argue today that, despite the army chief's comments, Britain will stick to its commitment to maintain a military presence in Iraq until the country's own security forces are fully trained.
The Ministry of Defence said last night: "We are there with our international partners in support of the democratically elected government of Iraq under a clear United Nations mandate."
However, the army chief's comments are certain to be a blow to Tony Blair as he seeks to maintain political authority in his final months in Downing Street.
The general appears to have decided to reflect the strong view within the army that it has been overstretched by the burden the government has placed upon it.
In today's interview, Sir Richard added: "I am going to stand up for what is right for the army. Honesty is what it is about. The truth will out."
posted by Carlos T Mock @ 5:28 PM
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