Summary
HAVING proved so adept at stumbling into a quagmire in Iraq, it should come as no surprise that the government has completely mishandled the latest sorry episode of the war there. The way the Black Watch have been toyed with over the past week has been scandalous, and to play with the hopes and fears of their families back home has been cruel in the extreme.
When the Americans asked for British back-up in North Babil, near Baghdad, to free their own men for a renewed offensive against militants in Falluja, the Black Watch were already nearing the end of a second exhausting tour. Despite the relative security of the south of Iraq, they have each day faced the threat of snipers and suicide bombers and were doubtless all looking forward to coming home. Despite the disappointment at having this respite delayed, the regiment responded with the professionalism of 250 years' service, with stoicism and vows to get the job done. We can only take General Sir Michael Walker at his word when the Chief of Defence Staff says that there are "compelling" reasons to send 650 Black Watch soldiers and 200 in support to the more volatile area for up to 30 days. As Shadow Defence Secretary Nicholas Soames said, if it hastens peace to Iraq and the return home of all British troops it can only be a good thing. What's more, British tactics have been relatively successful in Iraq and the Black Watch will take to the north the mix of firmness and fairness that has won at least some friends in the south.See the full content of this document
Extract
Leader: Playing Politics with the Black Watch
And yet there are real fears over the conditions outlined by Gen Walker. Will the month-long tour be extended if the American mi...
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