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Now A British Army Brigadier Butts In Too ...
So, a second senior British soldier's let loose with his his usually, oh-so-stiff upper lip. And it seems he's said something that's started some sort of spat with his army's American allies.
It never rains but it pours, eh?
Via their own man in Washington, Mr Matthew Davis, today the BBC brought to This Old Brit's attention, news of the latest bit of 'brass-bovver' in high & mighty military places, thus:
Hmm. How's that grab y'all ?UK officer slams US Iraq tactics
By Matthew Davis BBC News, Washington
The brigadier said he wanted to help an institution he respectsA senior British Army officer has sparked indignation in the US with a scathing article criticising the US Army's performance in Iraq.
The article, in Military Review, has drawn US criticism but also approval.Well surprise, surprise --- not.
Surely anyone and everyone sould have assumed with certainty that such utterances would be bloody well bound to. Eh? What?
But wait -- there's still some more to come -- and from the same place too.
'Strewth,' one may be moved to murmur to oneself, 'Who the heck would have thunk it?'. Albeit semi-silently of course, simply for the sake of a show of some semblance of civility and solidarity -- whether sincere or staged..... American officers displayed such cultural insensitivities that it "arguably amounted to institutional racism" and may have helped spur the insurgency.
Then there's this telling tid-bit, too.
Operations to win the peace in Iraq were "weighed down by bureaucracy, a stiflingly hierarchical outlook, predisposition to offensive operations and a sense that duty required all issues to be confronted head on" ....
Holy humvees, Batman !
What manner of military man dares make claims of this kind ?
Why, it's just an average, everyday, common garden variety, run o'the mill British Army brigadier -- with a proper pair of balls -- that's all. You know, the shoot straight from the hip and tell it how you see it, This-Old-Brit-type.
Now, hit this BBC news link to find out for yourself who he is and what other fat the same fine fellow chose to chew, and to unselfishly share with you.
posted by Richard at Wednesday, January 11, 2006
17 Comments:
Gotham,
What do I think of him? In a word, I think he's a perfect 'prat'. His family background is of one of priviledge & pampering.
He actually does have royal blood. As does his wife. Really.
The current British Tory party is a huge sick joke and contains NO leadership material. It has been a joke for years now.
Thatcher began well, but went too far to the right [even for Tories] and gradually went off her rocker & way over the top.
Since then, there's been NOBODY anything like a leader on offer.
The worst part of this is that Blair knows it only too well. That's why he's clung to power. As big a bastard as he is, he still looks like the best of a bad bunch of modern day British politicians.
God help us. We do NOT deserve this.
anon is right, Blair rules by default.
The brigadier is right too. There was never any plan "B" - and THAT is the worst kind of planning. Criminally negligent almost.
Has anything the Brigadier said come as a surprise to any Old Brit regulars? Of course not, and as Bluey correctly pointed out there never was a Plan B. Our neocon nitwits were convinced that the Iraqis would love us. Even more telling is the US reaction - Boo Hoo, Boo Hoo poor Col. Benson is 'upset' and then he refers to the Brigadier 'a snob'. Excuse - you're supposed to be a professional soldier not a middle school teenager. The Brigadier may well be a snob but that doesn't diminish his opinion. Glad to see the US paid attention to cultural sensitivities - and look what happened in Abu Ghraib!
Ah, the old crossed flags, so, so popular accross the pond with those who are thankful for the unholy alliance.
Well spotted, my man.
Cameron = Blairon or Cameblair, whichever you prefer...
anon and bluey,
Agreed 100%. I doubt either of you ever spoke truer words.
We do not deserve it. And Blair is in power by default
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
graniab,
The only thing that really surprises me [and many others] is that nobody with the relevant knowledge/experience/common sense spoke out sooner. But will their message make any difference to the loonies now in charge though? I fear it's doubtful.
gert,
Yep. Same old, same old. Take your pick, people; Tweedle Dum or Tweedle Dee ? Damn them all to hell.
Ha. So the brigadier is an insufferable snob ?
Better that than an insufferable sob.
Hi Richard,
Small correction actually quite a lot of warnings were given by well respected British Brass most noteably Field Marshalls The Lords Carver and Bramall.
I've done a posting related to this topic here that I think you and your readers will find useful. Aylwin BTW had a very successful tour of duty in Northern Ireand during a particularly "hot" period he managed to cool things down quite a bit /*snark*/ amazingly enough without resorting to heavy handed brutality which he has the sense to know doesn't bloody well work./*snark*/
oops forgot to mention that I've linked to your postings and as always select "open in new window" should any reader actually decide to read my posting
Ha! I've just come back here from your blog to say I'd seen your cite and had thanked you, Mark.
Your own blog-post and the other links provided there were very interesting and enlightening.
The Suez reference particularly grabbed my attention. You'll see why when you get my comment over at your place.
Whooot! Richard off topic if you go along to James Wolcott "Noxious Fumes" paying especial attention to the name Fumento and then go to Editor and Publisher and look for the name Fumento
Whale oil beef hooked.
Now, that should bring some smiles to some faces. It's what I'd call a classic case of come-uppance.
Dear Rick- thanks for what you wrote over on watergatesummer..and thanks for letting me know that even over there people hear us..and that yes, sometimes things get grim....( you have t-shirts too, that can't be good, now eh?) ....I am still trying to decide what to do...and I also am getting it now from my son- who pointed out some of the things I have said about the Good Fight etc...( he is on a one man mission- 6'4'' and 14- you know I am losing this one...he can't believe that I would "close the cafe")...just disheartened- but many have said take a break..that seems wise...I am trying. but heart won't let me...ya' know...but I appreciated everyone's kind words and wisdom...and support...
enigma,
No problem. I know you'll decide to do what you believe is for the best.
Actually Richard I'd be interested in a posting from you on how the Lib Dems may move considerably to the left if Menzies Campbell gets in and how the almost certainly won't if that Simon Hughes does.
Also may I blogwhore? You'll see why if pop over to my place.
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