Posted on 03/28/2008 8:57:26 PM PDT by blam
Rift between UK diplomats and Army in Basra
By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Last Updated: 1:13am GMT 29/03/2008
British forces are facing increasing pressure to intervene in fighting in southern Iraq after government efforts to defeat Shi'ite militias in Basra ground to a halt.
Signs of a rift were growing among British officials as diplomats said that UK forces "stand ready to support" Iraqi soldiers as and when requested, contradicting military statements that UK forces would be confined to "niche" roles.
Fighting in Basra, Baghdad and the central town of Kut has claimed at least 100 lives this week
The Iraqi government's lack of success in Basra was highlighted when the Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, extended a deadline by 10 days for Shi'ite militia loyal to cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to give up their weapons, and offered them cash to do so.
President George W Bush highlighted the battle for Basra as a "defining moment in the history of a free Iraq", adding that the Iraqi people "must have confidence in their government's ability to protect them and to be even-handed."
For the first time since violence broke out on Tuesday, American and British warplanes carried out a bombing raids in Basra, and one Iraqi official conceded that coalition ground support was needed.
While a British army spokesman ruled out intervention on the ground, diplomats in the Baghdad embassy lobbied for a signal from the UK that troops could be deployed. Christopher Prentice, the ambassador to Iraq, signalled his differences with the MoD in a statement.
"British Coalition Forces, in their overwatch role, stand ready to support Iraqi Security Forces operationally, as and when the (government of Iraq) requests this," it said.
But Major Tom Holloway, a spokesman for UK forces, said coalition intervention would be confined to "niche" capabilities.
"We are providing them air power over the top of the city. The Iraqi air force does exist but doesn't yet have fast jets. We are also providing surveillance. We always plan for things like this but as we speak we are not planning to go to the city."
Fighting in Basra, Baghdad and the central town of Kut has claimed at least 100 lives this week. Mortars and rockets were fired at Baghdad's Green Zone, killing two guards in the vice-president's office.
At least 15 died on Friday in fighting between Sadr's Mahdi Army and Iraqi police in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq.
Mr Maliki confirmed he was in talks with tribal and religious leaders in the city for a negotiated end to the fighting, as he gave Shia gunmen until April 8 to surrender heavy and medium weapons.
"All those who have heavy and medium arms, they should surrender them to the security forces and receive money starting from March 28 until April 8," Mr Maliki said.
"We confirm the objectives of the operation in Basra which is to chase illegal elements and to put all the weapons under the control of law. These weapons create problems for civilians and their property. The government wants to give a chance to solve the problem without having to call upon the wrath of legal action."
The Washington Post quoted an unnamed advisor to Mr Maliki conceding that outside help was needed. "I think the government can't win this battle without interference of Americans or British," he said.
"I think the aid or assistance is on the way."
Shia gunmen have until April 8 to surrender heavy and medium weapons
A British official based in Baghdad said that despite the British ambassador's statement, Army chiefs appeared determined to resist Iraqi and American pressure for British troops to reinforce local units.
Military analysts estimate that three British battlegroups – each of about 650 men armed with Challenger 2 tanks and Warrior armoured vehicles – are on hand to re-enter the city.
"It's ridiculous for Britain's position in Iraq that we've got this firepower down there and we're not willing to help the Iraqis out," the British official said. "The army won't even listen to suggestions it might be needed."
There was no clear indication from Basra's streets that the involvement of coalition airpower had tilted the balance. Militia fighters had painted slogans and photographs of Sadr on captured vehicles. Humanitarian organisations warned that food, medical and water supplies were running low in areas under government siege.
"The population was not expecting this, they didn't build up any food stocks," said Red Cross spokeswoman Carla Haddad.
"There is also a problem of access to medical care. We've heard reports of medical transport and ambulances being targeted and attacked. "
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Migration Has Brought ‘Zero’ Economic Benefit (UK)
The Telegraph (UK) | 3-29-2008 | Philip Johnston and Robert Winnett
Posted on 03/28/2008 11:46:58 PM EDT by blam
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1993463/posts
Jaafari calls on the Government to halt the fighting in Basra and embrace Muqtada al-Sadr
W/out the Iranians, the Mahdi Army wouldn’t be able to do squat, so why doesn’t the media report THAT?
I see no negative to the coalition forces moving in and killing the Mahdi Army.
Basra militants 'worse than al-Qa'eda', says Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki
And from the article:
*******************************EXCERPT***********************
British forces today became directly involved in the battle to stamp out militias from Basra, engaging suspected Mehdi Army positions with artillery.
Field pieces located in the British headquarters at Basra airport fired on a mortar crew in an insurgent stronghold of the southern port city shortly before 12.30pm local time (9.30am UK time).
Previously British troops had confined themselves to providing logistical help and air support to the Iraqi Army forces conducting the operation, which began at dawn four days ago.
Got it, thanks.
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