Right on man. well said.
How do the two insurgent wars in Northern Ireland and Iraq compare?
What is the reality of the situation in the South?
Oh and whatever side of the wire we fall on, I reckon I can speak for almost one and all here when I say good on yer for doing your job. Terrible situation, one can only hope that time will improve the conditions and heal open wounds.
In terms of action and operations and blood thirstiness Iraq is a lot worse.
The tactics we are using tho are roughly the same.
Holding the line, while a political settlement is reached.
I watched a program Iraq veterans against the war.
They were talking about the tactics they had to use.
I felt sympathy for these young men. It was not the sort of war they joined up to fight and there lies the nub.
It is a very dirty war.
I was not happy or proud about rousing a family out of there beds at 2 or 3 in the morning while searching for suspects or weapons or any incriminating documents.
Dragging away men or teenage boys while mothers look on tearfully or scream at you.
Children shying away from you as the just under preteens or those just over stare at you with hatred in there eyes.
Rousing granny or granddad out of bed.
I was bought up in a Christan country to protect women and children to have respect for my elders.
That is why it is termed a dirty war as you can feel dirty after such a operation.
But is has to be carried out, you have to look for suspects search for weapons carry out periodic sweeps and use methods reminiscent of the Gestapo.
While the terrorists fight behind civilians, civilians will be in the front line.