One of the many errors that former President Clinton made was to allow the Germas to 'bounce' NATO into recognising Slovenian and Croatian independence. Unfortunately, President Bush has failed to learn the lesson, and has repeated the stupidity, as stupidity is what it is.
Clinton failed to recognise the hundreds of years of mutual hatred in the Balkans, between Serb, Slav, and Muslim. More recently, whilst the Slav and Muslim peoples allied themselves with Hitler, atrocities were committed against the Serb.
Tito managed to keep both the Russians out of the newly formed Yugoslavia, and the Yugoslavs from the throats of one another. On his death, the far right nationalists strived for independence, as did the swathes of incoming migrants from Albania. Serb atrocities provided Clinton the opportunity to 'bloody' Russia's nose, and demonstrate their impotence. Fine; other than the break-up led to resentment amongst the Balkan countries, a rise in Russian nationalism, and a training ground for militant Islam.
So, now we see the birthplace of Serbia becoming the Islamic State of Kosovo. Should Russia choose to intervene, the West will be unable to respond. Much of the world policing is now down to the States, the UK, and Canada. With Australia becoming an unwilling ally, the UK and Canada are swiftly following. Countries such as Greece and Spain (quite correctly) are livid about the unstabling affects on their own seperatist leaning regions. The potential for a renewed war on our borders is clearly evident, with no realistic response immediately evident.
Either way, this will be a victory for Russian nationalism or militant Islam. Possibly both! It always amazes me, as oft I write, how world leaders try to make history without knowing the past.
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Monday, 17 December 2007
Operational Overstretch for UK and US Air Forces?
It is perhaps reassuring to know that US politicians are managing to fail in a remarkably similar way to inept Labour politicians in the UK. Unfortunately, that is where the good news ends.
Age and operation overstretch has been blamed for the loss of the RAF Nimrod in Afghanistan on 2nd September 2006. The loss of 14 aircrew lives was the single loss of life for UK forces since the Falklands War.
Meanwhile, the US has been forced to ground it's fleet of approximately 700 F15s. The aircraft dates back to the mid-70s and is no longer in production. It is currently seeing service around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan and the UK. Perhaps, more importantly, it is also seeing service in outlying parts of the US; notably Alaska and Hawaii. Having already written about Russian incursions into US airspace, it was today reported by Fox News that Alaskan airspace will be defended by the Canadians until replacements can be found.
Whilst it can be assumed that F15 duties may be covered by other units, it is also known that the US Navy has now grounded a quarter of their 161 P-3Cs due to structural defects. Reuters reported that "that these aircraft are beyond known structural limits on the lower section of the P-3 wing". This is more problematic as these are submarine hunting aircraft, and replacements will be harder to come by.
What these events clearly demonstrate is that the two governments are sending airmen into the skies, in ageing aircraft that are well past their sell-by date. Not that the Nimrod or P-3 is obsolete. Rather, too much strain is put on the individual airframes, and without their replacements being funded for. These errors cost lives, and at a time when our politicians ask so much of the armed services.
Age and operation overstretch has been blamed for the loss of the RAF Nimrod in Afghanistan on 2nd September 2006. The loss of 14 aircrew lives was the single loss of life for UK forces since the Falklands War.
Meanwhile, the US has been forced to ground it's fleet of approximately 700 F15s. The aircraft dates back to the mid-70s and is no longer in production. It is currently seeing service around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan and the UK. Perhaps, more importantly, it is also seeing service in outlying parts of the US; notably Alaska and Hawaii. Having already written about Russian incursions into US airspace, it was today reported by Fox News that Alaskan airspace will be defended by the Canadians until replacements can be found.
Whilst it can be assumed that F15 duties may be covered by other units, it is also known that the US Navy has now grounded a quarter of their 161 P-3Cs due to structural defects. Reuters reported that "that these aircraft are beyond known structural limits on the lower section of the P-3 wing". This is more problematic as these are submarine hunting aircraft, and replacements will be harder to come by.
What these events clearly demonstrate is that the two governments are sending airmen into the skies, in ageing aircraft that are well past their sell-by date. Not that the Nimrod or P-3 is obsolete. Rather, too much strain is put on the individual airframes, and without their replacements being funded for. These errors cost lives, and at a time when our politicians ask so much of the armed services.
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
US Media Picks Up On Russian Incursions - At Last!!!
Quite some time after I noted Russian bomber incursions into US airspace (Guam), the US media have at last decided to start reporting these events.
What was quite amusing was the stating by Fox News that Europe had beeen facing this for several months, with increasing levels of Russia sabre-rattling (which was correct), yet felt it unecessary to mention the events over Guam. Why?
I would have thought that more Americans would have had a greater interest in what was happening in their particular spheres of control, rather than what was happening on the fringes of Europe. I'm sure that there would be even more concern if it were known that their government and media had kept these events quiet.
The fact that it was felt necessary to broadcast pictures of Bears over Atlaska surely shows a mounting concern felt by the White House and Pentagon. Perhaps the US government and military should have been more vocal about Guam, then the stand-off in Alaskan airspace need not have happened. However, it will be interesting to see how the Russians now choose to react.
What was quite amusing was the stating by Fox News that Europe had beeen facing this for several months, with increasing levels of Russia sabre-rattling (which was correct), yet felt it unecessary to mention the events over Guam. Why?
I would have thought that more Americans would have had a greater interest in what was happening in their particular spheres of control, rather than what was happening on the fringes of Europe. I'm sure that there would be even more concern if it were known that their government and media had kept these events quiet.
The fact that it was felt necessary to broadcast pictures of Bears over Atlaska surely shows a mounting concern felt by the White House and Pentagon. Perhaps the US government and military should have been more vocal about Guam, then the stand-off in Alaskan airspace need not have happened. However, it will be interesting to see how the Russians now choose to react.
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
History, Admiral Lord Nelson and General David Petraeus
This is not intended to be a comparison of the respective merits of two commanders. Rather, it is an observation on the similarity of events that saw Admiral Lord Nelson assume command of the British fleet in the Mediterranean and General Petraeus take command of the allied multinational force in Iraq.
What occurs to me is that national leaders sometimes consider it necessary to circumvent the accepted order of military command and protocol, when the situation demands. William Pitt was continuously thwarted by the 'old guard' in Whitehall. George Bush was badly advised, over a number of years, in how to obtain victory in Iraq. What is certain is that both resorted to hiring a relatively junior officer to expedite matters. Nelson went on to destroy the French fleet at Aboukir Bay, and Petraeus has stabilised the situation in Baghdad and the surrounding Sunni region.
What is also striking in it's similarity is how those with less talent take the earliest opportunity to strike at the successful. With Nelson, Whig Admiral Sir John Jervis was thought to have attempted to undermine Nelson. That the likes of abject failures such as General Wesley Clark should have 'sniped' at Petraeus is hardly surprising. What is, perhaps, more surprising is that ralative failure General George Casey should attempt to undermine Petraeus's plan by playing politics as US Army Chief of Staff. The reason why Petraeus was placed in command, in the first place.
What occurs to me is that national leaders sometimes consider it necessary to circumvent the accepted order of military command and protocol, when the situation demands. William Pitt was continuously thwarted by the 'old guard' in Whitehall. George Bush was badly advised, over a number of years, in how to obtain victory in Iraq. What is certain is that both resorted to hiring a relatively junior officer to expedite matters. Nelson went on to destroy the French fleet at Aboukir Bay, and Petraeus has stabilised the situation in Baghdad and the surrounding Sunni region.
What is also striking in it's similarity is how those with less talent take the earliest opportunity to strike at the successful. With Nelson, Whig Admiral Sir John Jervis was thought to have attempted to undermine Nelson. That the likes of abject failures such as General Wesley Clark should have 'sniped' at Petraeus is hardly surprising. What is, perhaps, more surprising is that ralative failure General George Casey should attempt to undermine Petraeus's plan by playing politics as US Army Chief of Staff. The reason why Petraeus was placed in command, in the first place.
Monday, 13 August 2007
FAC Urge Dialogue with Islamic Terrorists
The Commons foreign affairs committee (CFAC) said the decision not to enter talks with Hamas "has been counterproductive" and that "active support for the establishment of a national unity government in Palestine should be a key UK objective."
This of course appears to forget that the Palestinian President is fiercely opposed to these Islamic extremists, and has seen his followers purged in fierce West Bank fighting. Once Fatah has been destroyed, it is not diifficult to see where Hamas will once again turn their attentions to.
The question I want to ask though is what the hell the CFAC thinks it is doing recommending ties with a terrorist organisation, and what message it is sending the world? With Brown looking for an early exit from Iraq, and failing spectacularly to halt further British losses in Afghanistan, it looks like the CFAC is attempting to develop a policy of pacifism when faced with Islamic fascism around the world. And, how long will it be before Pelosi persuades the US Congress to follow suit?
This of course appears to forget that the Palestinian President is fiercely opposed to these Islamic extremists, and has seen his followers purged in fierce West Bank fighting. Once Fatah has been destroyed, it is not diifficult to see where Hamas will once again turn their attentions to.
The question I want to ask though is what the hell the CFAC thinks it is doing recommending ties with a terrorist organisation, and what message it is sending the world? With Brown looking for an early exit from Iraq, and failing spectacularly to halt further British losses in Afghanistan, it looks like the CFAC is attempting to develop a policy of pacifism when faced with Islamic fascism around the world. And, how long will it be before Pelosi persuades the US Congress to follow suit?
Thursday, 9 August 2007
US Quiet on Russians Over Guam
It is perhaps a little surprising that the Russian 'buzzing' of Guam, on Wednesday, has not been reported in the main US and UK media outlets.
Whilst the US appears to remain tight-lipped about the incident, the Russians have been a lot less retiscent. Unlike the unnamed US source in the previous blog, about UK forces in Basra, Major General Pavel Androsov has no such fear of having to remain incommunicado. He told a press conference in Moscow that "it was always the tradition of our long-range aviation to fly far into the ocean, to meet (US) aircraft carriers and greet (US) pilots visually," and that "yesterday we revived this tradition."
It has also been reported that last month RAF Tornado fighters were twice forced to scramble after Tu-95 bombers flew close to British airspace. These were the same type of large bomber, capable of delivering a nuclear device, that 'buzzed' Guam on Wednesday. So, what is the Russian game?
Flexing it's muscle ... undoubtedly. However, there is a serious message here that shows this more than 'sabre rattling'. At the beginning of August, Georgia was subjected to an air attack by Russia who also claimed the Arctic as its own that same week. How long will the international community stand idly by and allow Putin to 'strut his stuff' on the world stage.
Whilst the US appears to remain tight-lipped about the incident, the Russians have been a lot less retiscent. Unlike the unnamed US source in the previous blog, about UK forces in Basra, Major General Pavel Androsov has no such fear of having to remain incommunicado. He told a press conference in Moscow that "it was always the tradition of our long-range aviation to fly far into the ocean, to meet (US) aircraft carriers and greet (US) pilots visually," and that "yesterday we revived this tradition."
It has also been reported that last month RAF Tornado fighters were twice forced to scramble after Tu-95 bombers flew close to British airspace. These were the same type of large bomber, capable of delivering a nuclear device, that 'buzzed' Guam on Wednesday. So, what is the Russian game?
Flexing it's muscle ... undoubtedly. However, there is a serious message here that shows this more than 'sabre rattling'. At the beginning of August, Georgia was subjected to an air attack by Russia who also claimed the Arctic as its own that same week. How long will the international community stand idly by and allow Putin to 'strut his stuff' on the world stage.
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
US Claims of British Failure in Basra
It has been reported that a senior US intelligence official claims that British forces lost control of Basra by pulling our troops out of Basra too quickly. As such, "the British have basically been defeated in the south," he told the 'Washington Post'.
In a report due to be published in the 'Post' tomorrow, the official said that a contingent of 500 British troops based at Basra Palace were "surrounded like cowboys and Indians."
Of course, this appears somewhat simplistic as a soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh was killed when he came under fire during an operation in the Al Fursi district of Basra last night. The latest death brings the total number of British service personnel who have died in Iraq, since the 2003 invasion, to 165.
Whilst the continuing loss of British life illustrates that the British troops are more than merely holed up in the Basra Palace, he does illustrate how vulnerable the British troops are whilst the politicians sit on their hands in London. They are surrounded, by a number of militia and Iranian insurgents, whilst lacking the equipment or numbers to make their presence of use.
In a report due to be published in the 'Post' tomorrow, the official said that a contingent of 500 British troops based at Basra Palace were "surrounded like cowboys and Indians."
Of course, this appears somewhat simplistic as a soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh was killed when he came under fire during an operation in the Al Fursi district of Basra last night. The latest death brings the total number of British service personnel who have died in Iraq, since the 2003 invasion, to 165.
Whilst the continuing loss of British life illustrates that the British troops are more than merely holed up in the Basra Palace, he does illustrate how vulnerable the British troops are whilst the politicians sit on their hands in London. They are surrounded, by a number of militia and Iranian insurgents, whilst lacking the equipment or numbers to make their presence of use.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
'Operation Banner' Comes To An End
After 38 years, Operation Banner will come to end at midnight. Operation Banner was ostensibly an operation to support the RUC in preventing Protestant violence against the Catholic minority in Ulster.
However, militants within the Roman Catholic community used the opportunity to direct Republican sentiment against the government; costing 763 British servicemen their lives. Numerous citizens, many of them completely innocent, were killed on both sides of the Irish Channel.
Whilst the current terrorist activities of the IRA are now minimal, it should be remembered that the IRA (and Loyalist Paramilitaries) have now become the gangland enforcers in their communities. The economics of vice have replaced the politics of hate. As such, the government has failed to protect the interests of the Northern Ireland population by allowing these same muderers to continue in the coercion of their respective communities.
However, militants within the Roman Catholic community used the opportunity to direct Republican sentiment against the government; costing 763 British servicemen their lives. Numerous citizens, many of them completely innocent, were killed on both sides of the Irish Channel.
Whilst the current terrorist activities of the IRA are now minimal, it should be remembered that the IRA (and Loyalist Paramilitaries) have now become the gangland enforcers in their communities. The economics of vice have replaced the politics of hate. As such, the government has failed to protect the interests of the Northern Ireland population by allowing these same muderers to continue in the coercion of their respective communities.
Friday, 20 July 2007
The Continuing Failure of NATO in Afghanistan
Former Scots Guard, Captain Leo Docherty (Rtd.), is quite correct when saying that our presence in Afghanistan is a "huge political failure".
His comments are timely as they correspond with the thoughts of the Parliamentary Defence Select Committee (PDSC) who claimed that it was "deeply concerned" about what was happening in Afghanistan. In addition, the PDSC urged NATO to send more troops to the country; and that they should come from Germany and France in particular.
It is clear that Britain, the US, and Canada is currently bearing the majority of military and financial cost in this theatre of operations. Whilst Britain has approximately 7,000 British military personnel in southern Afghanistan, it is surely impossible to take and hold all Taliban strongholds in such a vast area.
The original plan for Helmand Province was for security and reconstruction to take place in conjunction with one another. However, the level of activity between British soldiers and the Taliban has ensured that reconstruction is not afforded the attention that is required. Hence, The Afghans return to their poppy growing.
So, once again the history of Afghanistan is ignored. The 1st Afghan War, the 2nd Afghan War, the Russian occupation ...
His comments are timely as they correspond with the thoughts of the Parliamentary Defence Select Committee (PDSC) who claimed that it was "deeply concerned" about what was happening in Afghanistan. In addition, the PDSC urged NATO to send more troops to the country; and that they should come from Germany and France in particular.
It is clear that Britain, the US, and Canada is currently bearing the majority of military and financial cost in this theatre of operations. Whilst Britain has approximately 7,000 British military personnel in southern Afghanistan, it is surely impossible to take and hold all Taliban strongholds in such a vast area.
The original plan for Helmand Province was for security and reconstruction to take place in conjunction with one another. However, the level of activity between British soldiers and the Taliban has ensured that reconstruction is not afforded the attention that is required. Hence, The Afghans return to their poppy growing.
So, once again the history of Afghanistan is ignored. The 1st Afghan War, the 2nd Afghan War, the Russian occupation ...
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Surviving Bevin Boys to be Remembered
Surviving members of the 48,000 Bevin Boys are to be awarded a badge for their work during the 2nd World War. The official recognition is for the conscripted and volunteer force that helped keep the British coal mines running from 1943 onwards.
The Bevin Boys were named after Ernest Bevin, Labour MP, and Minister of Labour and National Service in Churchill's coalition government. Approximately 50% were conscripts selected by ballot to serve in the mines. The remainder were volunteers who chose coal mining in preference to serving in branches of the Armed Services.
Of course, one might wonder why British merchantmen, particularly those involved in the Russian convoys, have yet to receive any award for their services.
The Bevin Boys were named after Ernest Bevin, Labour MP, and Minister of Labour and National Service in Churchill's coalition government. Approximately 50% were conscripts selected by ballot to serve in the mines. The remainder were volunteers who chose coal mining in preference to serving in branches of the Armed Services.
Of course, one might wonder why British merchantmen, particularly those involved in the Russian convoys, have yet to receive any award for their services.
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
North Korea Fires Missile at Japan
The China Daily today reported the following. "North Korea fired a short-range missile toward waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, a South Korean intelligence official said Tuesday, amid signs of progress in ending North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The North "fired the short-range missile around 3:30 (2:30 a.m. EDT)," the South Korean official said on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the issue." There were no comments in addition to this extremely brief article.
This was the second missile firing in as many weeks, and comes after the test-firing of a number of short-range missiles, into the Sea of Japan, on 26th May 2007.
These events come as the UN nuclear inspectors prepare to visit North Korea next week. This is ostensibly to discuss the monitoring and verification of shutting down the Yongbyon nuclear reactor. Am I alone in feeling that we have been here before, with both Iraq and Iran?
This was the second missile firing in as many weeks, and comes after the test-firing of a number of short-range missiles, into the Sea of Japan, on 26th May 2007.
These events come as the UN nuclear inspectors prepare to visit North Korea next week. This is ostensibly to discuss the monitoring and verification of shutting down the Yongbyon nuclear reactor. Am I alone in feeling that we have been here before, with both Iraq and Iran?
Friday, 15 June 2007
Kurt Waldheim Dies
I don't like to speak ill of the dead, but in this case I'll make an exception. Ardent Nazi, Kurt Waldheim, died yesterday at the age of 88. His most notable posts were as Secretary-General of the United Nations, President of Austria, and Nazi intelligence officer in the Balkans.
Many would argue that he was a member of the Wehrmacht, and no Nazi. However, evidence to the contrary, shows this not to be the truth.
He actively supported the Germans and Croats in their suppression of the Bosnians, and was complicit in the massacre at Kozara in 1942. He was also involved in massacres against the Yugoslavs and Greeks in 1943-44; particularly with reference to massacres at Kalavrita, Klissura, Distomo and Chortiatis. He is also thought to have been involved with the torture and execution of British troops under Hitler's 'Commando Order'.
What is not beyond doubt was his direct involvement in the deportation of the Greek Jews to the concentration camps and his anti-Israeli stance.
Needless to say, his passing will see no mourning for him in my house. Indeed, it is unbelievable that a Nazi with his record could be allowed to gain high office and live into old age with no recourse. Such is the world of international politics!
Many would argue that he was a member of the Wehrmacht, and no Nazi. However, evidence to the contrary, shows this not to be the truth.
He actively supported the Germans and Croats in their suppression of the Bosnians, and was complicit in the massacre at Kozara in 1942. He was also involved in massacres against the Yugoslavs and Greeks in 1943-44; particularly with reference to massacres at Kalavrita, Klissura, Distomo and Chortiatis. He is also thought to have been involved with the torture and execution of British troops under Hitler's 'Commando Order'.
What is not beyond doubt was his direct involvement in the deportation of the Greek Jews to the concentration camps and his anti-Israeli stance.
Needless to say, his passing will see no mourning for him in my house. Indeed, it is unbelievable that a Nazi with his record could be allowed to gain high office and live into old age with no recourse. Such is the world of international politics!
Thursday, 14 June 2007
25th Anniversary of Falklands Victory
Today marks the 25th Anniversary of the victory over the occupying Argentinian force on the Falkland Islands.
The force sent 8,000 miles from Britain suffered 255 dead, and the native Falkland Island population a further 3.
The war succeeded, in addition to the reclaiming of the British territory, to provide the final nail in the coffin of the Argentinian military junta.
It is a tragedy that subsequent administrations have ensured that we would not be able to repeat this course of action, when required to defend British subjects in the future.
The force sent 8,000 miles from Britain suffered 255 dead, and the native Falkland Island population a further 3.
The war succeeded, in addition to the reclaiming of the British territory, to provide the final nail in the coffin of the Argentinian military junta.
It is a tragedy that subsequent administrations have ensured that we would not be able to repeat this course of action, when required to defend British subjects in the future.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Corporal Jeremy Brookes, 4th Battalion The Rifles
Sympathy should be extended to the family of Corporal Jeremy Brookes, of the 4th Battalion The Rifles. He became the latest British serviceman, on Monday, to die in Iraq.
He was killed following an attack on his convoy in al Tuwaysa, a district in central Basra.
The 4th Battalion The Rifles were formerly known as the Royal Green Jacket Regiment, before the latest re-organisation in February 2007.
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
Guangzhou Artillery Pieces (Part 1)
On a recent trip to China, I visited part of the old walled city. Recent government work has seen a reversal of the destruction of 'all things old' that happened under the Cultural Revolution.
My wife remembered the old guns being scattered over the hillside, in the 70s, where children used to play on them.
Fortunately, a bit more respect is being shown to Chinese history nowadays. As such, a number of artillery pieces have been displayed in the area where they would have been sited. The best surviving example is this piece, which I have taken at a couple of angles. I know it was German manufactured, and rifled. I estimate that it is probably from around the 1870s. The site was one of the highest points in Guangzhou, and would have overlooked the inland harbour. I therefore believe it would have been for intended use against ships, although the depth of the Pearl River would have dictated that these would have been of gun boat proportions. Any information, or thoughts, on this artillery piece would be greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
Abu Mujtaba Calls the Shots
In a previous post, in February, I wrote that it "now looks like that Prince Harry will be accompanying his cavalry Regiment to Basra. If Prince Harry does accompany "A" Squadron, with the Blues and Royals, then he'll be closely following in his Uncle's footsteps who served in the Falklands."
Today, the overall British army commander, Sir Richard Dannatt, issued a statement stating that Prince Harry will not be deployed to Iraq. This was due to concern about the number of "specific threats" made against his life.
So, Abu Mujtaba and his Mahdi army unit appear to dictate British army policy. It also shows that whilst threats are made against all allied serviceman; only Prince Harry is inexpendable. This is in stark contrast to the recent case of the planned kidnap of a Muslim soldier who had served in Afghanistan. The group responsible had intended an "Iraqi-style" conspiracy, whereby they planned to film the beheading of the soldier, and post it on the internet as a warning to Muslims not to help the Armed Forces. So, with this same logic, would it not prove right that the 300+ Muslim servicemen should also not be expected to serve in the Middle East?
This is a bad decision taken by the British Army and the Ministry of Defence. As such, it will just add to accusations that the modern Royal family has nothing to do with public service, but is all about the cult of celebrity.
Today, the overall British army commander, Sir Richard Dannatt, issued a statement stating that Prince Harry will not be deployed to Iraq. This was due to concern about the number of "specific threats" made against his life.
So, Abu Mujtaba and his Mahdi army unit appear to dictate British army policy. It also shows that whilst threats are made against all allied serviceman; only Prince Harry is inexpendable. This is in stark contrast to the recent case of the planned kidnap of a Muslim soldier who had served in Afghanistan. The group responsible had intended an "Iraqi-style" conspiracy, whereby they planned to film the beheading of the soldier, and post it on the internet as a warning to Muslims not to help the Armed Forces. So, with this same logic, would it not prove right that the 300+ Muslim servicemen should also not be expected to serve in the Middle East?
This is a bad decision taken by the British Army and the Ministry of Defence. As such, it will just add to accusations that the modern Royal family has nothing to do with public service, but is all about the cult of celebrity.
Monday, 14 May 2007
Colonel H. Jones VC
John Geddes, author of new release 'Spearhead Assault: Our Fight to Save the Falklands', is a former para who served with Colonel Jones during the Falklands War in 1982. His new book, on the conflict, is sure to cause controversy as he has put into print what many have suspected for some time.
He states that it was "madness" and "suicidal" for Jones to charge enemy positions during the battle, and claims that his decisions resulted in the death of his own best friend. Indeed, he believes that Jones's actions were motivated by "... anger, passion and regret at the loss of his friend, Dave Wood. His judgement was unbalanced and what he did was lionhearted but ill-conceived and futile." As such, John Geddes believes that Colonel H. Jones was undeserving of his VC.
What is certain, in my opinion, is that the only ones who truly know what happened are the British para survivors of the attack on Goose Green. Their opinions are valid, despite the likes of General Sir John Wilsey who find it "offensive" that John Geddes should question the validity of Colonel Jones getting the VC.
He states that it was "madness" and "suicidal" for Jones to charge enemy positions during the battle, and claims that his decisions resulted in the death of his own best friend. Indeed, he believes that Jones's actions were motivated by "... anger, passion and regret at the loss of his friend, Dave Wood. His judgement was unbalanced and what he did was lionhearted but ill-conceived and futile." As such, John Geddes believes that Colonel H. Jones was undeserving of his VC.
What is certain, in my opinion, is that the only ones who truly know what happened are the British para survivors of the attack on Goose Green. Their opinions are valid, despite the likes of General Sir John Wilsey who find it "offensive" that John Geddes should question the validity of Colonel Jones getting the VC.
Friday, 30 March 2007
Britain's Standing in the World Weakened by Labour Miscalculations
As I have already written, Britain has demonstrated it's political and military weakness by failing to respond to Iranian sponsored bombings of British forces in southern Iraq, and the kidnapping of the British sailors/marines in Iraqi waters.
I had questioned the wisdom of Blair in his decision to announce that he would conduct no further negotiations with Tehran. Of course, today we hear of ... his continuing negotiations with the Iranian government. Why are we not surprised?
So, where has the Labour policy of 'muted diplomacy' got us? Yesterday, the UN Security Council failed to support British demands for the immediate release of the kidnapped Britains. A watered-down statement merely called for an "early resolution". Whilst Chiraq has voiced his support of Britain, France is refusing to consider economic sanctions against Iran.
The questions is where does this leave us? Germany, Italy and France are Iran's biggest trading partners. What is clear that our leading European partners are far more interested in their short-term economic benefits, rather than a longer-term consideration of community strategic interests. As I have written previously, Russia is fast becoming a destabilising country in the world, whereby they sponsor murders and and conduct economic warfare against those countries who refuse to follow the demands of Moscow. It is interesting that China, meanwhile, begins to show it's political maturity by distancing itself from Russian intransigence, and would have accepted greater pressure being applied upon Tehran.
Certainly events surrounding Iraq, Sudan and Iran have shown that the UN is well past it's 'sell-by date', and world security is in the hands of the big players. Only China can satisfactorily deal with North Korea, and the US with the Middle East. The UN is irrelevant, and the EU is self-serving!
Britain must decide whether it wants to reverse recent defence cuts, and help shape things for the better, or allow decisions to be taken by those who are happy to see our position relegated to that of 'puppet state' of the EU Commission. Tomorrow sees the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Invasion. The contrast of our responses could not appear starker!!!
I had questioned the wisdom of Blair in his decision to announce that he would conduct no further negotiations with Tehran. Of course, today we hear of ... his continuing negotiations with the Iranian government. Why are we not surprised?
So, where has the Labour policy of 'muted diplomacy' got us? Yesterday, the UN Security Council failed to support British demands for the immediate release of the kidnapped Britains. A watered-down statement merely called for an "early resolution". Whilst Chiraq has voiced his support of Britain, France is refusing to consider economic sanctions against Iran.
The questions is where does this leave us? Germany, Italy and France are Iran's biggest trading partners. What is clear that our leading European partners are far more interested in their short-term economic benefits, rather than a longer-term consideration of community strategic interests. As I have written previously, Russia is fast becoming a destabilising country in the world, whereby they sponsor murders and and conduct economic warfare against those countries who refuse to follow the demands of Moscow. It is interesting that China, meanwhile, begins to show it's political maturity by distancing itself from Russian intransigence, and would have accepted greater pressure being applied upon Tehran.
Certainly events surrounding Iraq, Sudan and Iran have shown that the UN is well past it's 'sell-by date', and world security is in the hands of the big players. Only China can satisfactorily deal with North Korea, and the US with the Middle East. The UN is irrelevant, and the EU is self-serving!
Britain must decide whether it wants to reverse recent defence cuts, and help shape things for the better, or allow decisions to be taken by those who are happy to see our position relegated to that of 'puppet state' of the EU Commission. Tomorrow sees the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Invasion. The contrast of our responses could not appear starker!!!
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Time for Action Against Iran
For all those who have considered that Iran should be believed when they tell the UN that they have no interest in developing a nuclear weapon programme, recent events should dispell such naiive thoughts. Despite clear evidence to the contrary, Iran has denied an act of international piracy in Iraqi waters and captured 15 UK sailors and marines.
The way that Blair's government has put these 15 servicemen, and servicewoman, in this position again shows blatant disregard for the lives of our sailors, soldiers and airmen. That goes without saying. As does the EU's and UN's lack of support. This shows just how irrelevent these organisations have become, in protecting the interests of it's members.
The government, having denied HMS Cornwall, and the 15 kidnapped, to defend themselves against yet another act of Iranian aggression now has an immediate duty to obtain their release and display to the Iranian government that such acts will no longer be tolerated. This includes acts of aggression against the British Army in southern Iraq. If not, the world has been told that the UK will no longer defend it's interests and can act with impunity against this country's citizens.
The way that Blair's government has put these 15 servicemen, and servicewoman, in this position again shows blatant disregard for the lives of our sailors, soldiers and airmen. That goes without saying. As does the EU's and UN's lack of support. This shows just how irrelevent these organisations have become, in protecting the interests of it's members.
The government, having denied HMS Cornwall, and the 15 kidnapped, to defend themselves against yet another act of Iranian aggression now has an immediate duty to obtain their release and display to the Iranian government that such acts will no longer be tolerated. This includes acts of aggression against the British Army in southern Iraq. If not, the world has been told that the UK will no longer defend it's interests and can act with impunity against this country's citizens.
Thursday, 22 February 2007
RM Jonathan Holland
The total number of serving British servicemen killed in Afghanistan, since 2001, has now risen to 48.
Yesterday, Royal Marine Jonathan Holland, of 45 Commando, was killed by a mine strike in the extremely unsafe Sangin Valley (Helmand Province). Today, a so-far un-named Royal Marine, from 42 Commando, died of wounds sustained on convoy duty at the beginning of the month.
Our thoughts should go out to their friends and family, at their time of grief, as should our gratitude.
Lest we forget!
Yesterday, Royal Marine Jonathan Holland, of 45 Commando, was killed by a mine strike in the extremely unsafe Sangin Valley (Helmand Province). Today, a so-far un-named Royal Marine, from 42 Commando, died of wounds sustained on convoy duty at the beginning of the month.
Our thoughts should go out to their friends and family, at their time of grief, as should our gratitude.
Lest we forget!
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