What they don't tell you on the news re Iraq

We had just lifted a particularly nasty Mahdi Army commander who may have been involved in the murder of at least three British servicemen serving in Iraq under a United Nations mandate (when was the last time you heard that little gem?). Unfortunately for us the police in that area of Basrah are pretty much the armed wing of the Mahdi Army and would have taken the opportunity to have a go if they suspected a Brit undercover op. Rent a mob turn out when Warrior arrive to ask what the f**k is going on and they just happen to have petrol bombs to hand.

We must make every effort to get our point accross. The Mahdi Army are trying to flex their muscles as they see GB PLC under threat at the moment. Weakness on our part would be a disaster as would excessive force. Parts of the Shia population hate us, others tolerate the presence of UK forces because of the very tangible fear of what will replace them.

If UK and US troops withdraw now the torture chambers of the corrupt IP in Basrah would be open for business and thriving in seconds.

Not an easy situation and one that will require some very sensitive management. Retaining the on side Iraqis is essential. Oh and we have a referendum in Iraq in 4 weeks time.

Posted By: Tomblander, Sep 20, 00:29:36