UK's Army chief declares war on Blair

[LynnTheDem]

'We must quit Iraq soon'

The head of the Army is calling for British troops to withdraw from Iraq "soon" or risk catastophic consequences for both Iraq and British society.

In a devastating broadside at Tony Blair's foreign policy, General Sir Richard Dannatt stated explicitly that the continuing presence of British troops "exacerbates the security problems" in Iraq.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=410163&in_page_id=1770&ico=Homepage&icl=TabModule&icc=NEWS&ct=5

[oblivious]

1. Conservative Telegraph: "Sir Richard has performed a service"

Sir Richard has performed a service
General Sir Richard Dannatt judged his comments perfectly. His tone was reasonable, his analysis measured, and he was careful not to cross the line between military assessment and political interference.

...It is enormously to Sir Richard's credit that he has spoken as he has; and it would be shocking if he were blackguarded by government spokesmen in consequence.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2006/10/14/dl1401.xml&sSheet=/opinion/2006/10/14/ixopinion.html

Troops back general
Meanwhile, Sir Richard was getting the seal of approval where it matters, from his troops, who jammed the popular website British Army Rumour Service with messages of support. A member of the Devon and Dorsets posted this: "Respect to the man, he's saying what everyone thinks" and other members pledged to support Sir Richard if the government tried to axe him for his forthright remarks.

http://www.thisisdorset.net/display.var.969937.0.i_back_the_general_says_soldiers_mum.php

A worthy offensive by the general, but now he must take cover
GENERAL Sir Richard Dannatt is no stranger to danger, but his latest act of bravery in the snake-infested jungles of Whitehall must be among the most conspicuous deeds of gallantry recorded in recent military history.

http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/72138.html

Basra chiefs tell British to get out
THE call by the head of the British Army to pull out of Iraq “some time soon” was backed yesterday by both the police chief and the governor of Basra, writes Hala Jaber.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2404479,00.html