Assault on Fallujah: Some LTTE from the UK to the BBC

[Bluebear]

While Scott Peterson is the topic du jour (oops, that was FRENCH) in the US, what do some British citizens write about the Iraqi situation?

Comments to BBC:

==
There can be few who regret the fall of Saddam, but what we see now is no way to bring a civilised future to Iraq. I suspect that a small part of the problem is that the US forces are equipped only for war fighting, and in no way for peacekeeping or supporting nation building. Somehow, we need to find a way out of this disaster - unless we want to see it end the way of the war in Vietnam. Have our leaders learned nothing? --Keith Roberts, Portsmouth, UK

We are an invading and occupying force. The reasons given for the invasion are proven lies. We all know this and it is time we come to terms with the fact that WE are the evil force. Acquiescence makes us accomplices. --Stefano, Malmesbury, UK

Yesterday I watched TV pictures of an American "executing" an injured insurgent rather than capturing him. I know war is a dirty business, but my surprise is over the fact that as I have searched the internet for some kind of reaction to this, I can't find a single word about it. Have summary executions by allied forces become so banal that they now pass without comment? I can only contrast it with the endless enquiries and shoot-to-kill allegations that we have had here in Northern Ireland and wonder what we are becoming. --Alan, Belfast, N. Ireland

The assaults on Falluja seem more like a face saving exercise from stubborn men who just can't admit they made a mistake. I read lots of posts telling us that we are weak etc if we do not support this offensive but if our leaders hadn't been so weak and had the courage to admit their mistakes from day one, none of this would have happened and the world would be a much more stable place. All this money and pointless waste of life could be better 'spent' on improving society as a whole so wars need not ever take place. --Matt, Birmingham, England

As we remember the those who lost their lives in the past wars we still have learnt nothing from the deaths of so many.-- T Newman, Bournemouth, UK

I would like to say that I am sorry for the civilians. Why do they have to suffer? It is hard to believe that the US Army and co. are not able to catch Zarqawi. What did they expect? He would wait for them in Falluja? How many lives have to be lost before it brings some order to Iraq? And how high the price will be? What will the children think and learn in the school about America? --Petra, Prague, Czech Republic


And some contrasting American opinions for balance...

Peace does not come from talking. Peace only comes from victory. God Bless our American soldiers and those brave Iraqi soldiers who are also risking their lives for the future of their nation.
Vernon, Nashville, USA

I support the Falluja assault. Some degree of alienation will definitely result, however, I am optimistic the majority of the Iraqi people and the Arab world can discern the difference between the terrorists' actions and the efforts by coalition forces to bring peace and rebuild the country. Unfortunately, it does appear the same type of military missions will have to take place in nearby Ramadi where terrorists are regrouping. --John Steinfort, Stafford, Texas, USA

To all who oppose this battle, are you then saying that the Iraqis do not deserve to be free of tyranny? Do you think the terrorists will provide them with any semblance of freedom if they were take over? The occupation by these terrorists has been brutal on the citizens. Even reading a newspaper is prohibited. Even asking for your house back, after it has been taken over by insurgents, will result in a vicious beating. This is the future of Iraq if this battle is won by insurgents. --Andrea, NY, USA

This is a sad situation. Americans, again, are forced to be looked on by the world as beasts. Yet this clearing of the city had to be done. The insurgents have no respect for the lives of Iraqi people.
---Loren Brower, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/3991813.stm

[liberalmuse]

1. I'm so proud...

of our dumbass, Red State crackers.

Disclaimer: This is in no way mean to insult the Blue voters living in the Red States as I am one of them.

[wtmusic]

2. Yes, we're 'being forced to be looked on by the world as beasts'

Interesting that only the Americans use the word 'terrorist' (which means absolutely nothing).