Why do we know about.....

[Goodsoulette]

When guys in the forces do something "wrong" whilst at war why do get to hear about it?

Take this Iraqi soldier abuse, I understand that it is no way to behave but I just think that we (the general public) know too much and that what goes on out there should stay out there. These guys are tried for their crimes differently I assume because a "normal" court cant understand the kind of pressures and influences these boys are under, so should these things stay out of the papers except under exceptional circumstances?

I am open to changing my mind, I just want to know what good people think it serves for us to know about it.

[Doggy2]

Well said Drusilla! To this I may add that there is a lot more that media can do to highlight this issue. I think BBC is still more credible than CNN and Fox News put together. You get the feel a sense of sensorship in US when you compare their broadcasting to ours. Their media is fairly similar to some countries/ police states as you mentioned earlier.

Grunt what can I say? Then again I wouldn't have expected much else in a rely from you. Yup. a bunch of drivel. p.s. watch out I may bite.

[sandbach99]

Wasn't there a tape or photos sometime ago which also should abuse which was proven to be a fake? The News of the World is not the most reliable paper for checking the tales they print are correct.
Having said that if the tape is true why has it taken till now to surface? what is the reason for producing it at this point?, why not take a copy to the army chiefs first so they can investigate rather than the press.
I didn't read the story, who gave the tape to the paper was it the cameraman? would he incriminate himself?
If the tape is proven to be true lets have both sides and proper criminal procedures not trial by the media.

[Elfin]

I reckon those soldiers did everyone a favour by giving those "young Iraqi civilians" a taste of their own medicine. How can anyone really have any sympathy for the stone/grenade throwing troublemakers? They asked for it and they got it. They weren't just walking past, minding their own business.

I don't see how your average peace-loving Iraqi is going to shed any tears at their removal from the streets. These insurgents do nothing for Iraq.

In fact I wish we could do that over here with blatant troublemakers.

[GruntFuttock]

From the rabid (doggy) to the reasonable (Drusilla).

These young Iraqi thugs had just lobbed a hand grenade into our brave soldiers' barracks.The soldiers reacted by giving them a thoroughly deserved beating.

I didn't see anybody beheaded or blown up.Did You?

[Doggy2]

Don't make laugh Grunt! YOU are the one that is rabid. The next thing you are gonna say is probably label me a moslem terrorist because I have first hand experience in talking to ordinardy iraqis. Save your breath. I know your game but I won't stoop to this level. I have heard nothing new from you but just repeating what Elfin has just said before your post. You are the one that should take tablet today dude!

[GruntFuttock]

Actually I cross posted with Elfin and no I wasn't about to call you a muslim terrorist or even a muslim terrorist sympathiser.

Is there any reason why I should?

[Doggy2]

Well if you call me a rabid which I am not, it doesn't take a genius to guess where that argument will be leading. Is it? I have posted something earlier that you obviously didn't agree and instead of a reply you decided to go for a cheap shot by suggesting I should take a tablet. If you don't agree with what I say fair enough it's your opinion but I would be willing to hear it and if what you said is a joke again it's fine by me.

[stevie_c2it]

There appears to be more than an element of selective memory in some of the postings in this thread, let us not forget that we are the hostile force who have invaded this foreign land (regardless of whatever reasons you believe, oil, WMD, regime change, etc), and we have so far failed spectacularly to bring any real democracy to this troubled country. Furthermore, our continued presence is only acting to serve as a focal point for the growing resentment at our occupation, uniting disparate factions in there enmity towards Great Britain, the U.S.A and the West in general.

Imagine how we would react if the situation was reversed, and we witnessed members of our society being abused by an occupying force who had nothing but contempt for our culture, religion, way of life etc. It therefore is entirely understandable that even moderate Iraqis (or other Muslims for that matter) might begin to hold radicalised or even extremist views towards our troops and the society they represent.
Expect actions like these to become a rallying call for extremists who will seek to extract a price in blood on westerners either at home or abroad. We have outstayed our welcome, and to remain longer will only increase further loss of life on both sides, as we descend a downward spiral of mutual distrust, hatred and violence.

[GruntFuttock]

Agreed!!!!-let's get out now and bring our boys home.

[Drusilla]

I'd be interested to know where the idea a grenade had been thrown into the British compound came from. I've looked at the BBC, CNN, Daily Mail and Independent online sites and none of them mention this and all state the youths were throwing stones. Can anybody direct me to a site with information about this, please?

[GruntFuttock]

Radio 5 Live reported it this am.

[Doggy2]

Can not agree more with you on this Stevie_c2it. As much as I would love to see the troops coming back to avoid going further down this viscious circle, I am quite sceptical about troops withdrawal in a forseeable future. As for your suggestion about democarcy and why it has failed in Iraq. It is precisely because we have lived with it for many centuries in the west. You can't expect democracy to flourish in a country that is invaded by foreign forces.

If only we could hold a referendum on this issue???

[searchme]

Hey Doggy2,I've been reading your posts and realise that(figuratively speaking of course) you have been depositing crap all over the pavement!

I don't know about Iraq,but there's a law against such behaviour in this country.

[Doggy2]

If it's crap then don't read it. As simple as that! I am entitled to my opinion.

What do you wanna do? shoot me? ooops I shouldn't say that.

[Doggy2]

searchme......... next time I want to ask your opinion I will do so. It's quite rich for someone who admittedly says doesn't know much about Iraq telling me what to do. I suggest YOU stop writing crap if you don't have an opinion of yours on this issue.

[searchme]

that's told me then.

[Doggy2]

You are learning my boy keep it coming.

[Ward-Minter]

13 Offensive Tours of Duty, do you think I ever kicked a POW in?

The answer is no, even Islamic ones.

[Goodsoulette]

well done you and thats what Id expect. Did you ever see anyone doing it though? Would you have spoken out if you did? Is there ever any justifying it, I only ask cause I dont lose my temper at all really. I did really wanted to punch whoever pi**ed on my leg after i lost my shoe at skunk anansie at pilton one year but I got over that when I bought some wellies.

[Ward-Minter]

We were too busy fighting with other regiments (esp the Yanks) to worry about fighting the POW's. However, I was Royal Intelligence Corp so interview and interrogation were part of my duties. Keep them sweet, the more they tell!