Harry going off to war - good or bad?

Question

I know we tend to all have strong feelings regarding Iraq, but I'm putting my own views aside here to try and stay relative to the question.

Is anyone else quite impressed with Prince Harry's determination to get out with the troops? I saw an interview earlier in which he said "I wouldn't have dragged my sorry *** through 4 years at Sandhurst if I wasn't going to fight on the frontline". Do you think it's good that he's taken this attitude, and what effect will this have on public opinion of the Royals?

lynne: You're assuming that's what I think. You're wrong.

diana - I never said that he deserved special treatment! Sheesh. Why do so many people make assumptions like that?!

Answer 1

Really pathetic publicity stunt. He will be guarded by a whole troop everywhere he goes and will never see comabt.

Answer 2

BAD!

OK I've read all the answers so far.. how brave he is etc etc... how selfish more like.

What about the other poor guys on the 'front line' in their reconnaissance tanks? why kill Joe blogs when u can kill a prince? the Iraqi insurgence will go all out now and shoot at any tank going.. just in case! So we will see more blood shed... more men and women killed because Prince Harry might have been in that tank, might have been on that base. The Iraqi insurgence are probably rubbing their hands together and laughing. While our guys, who are no doubt on edge as it is, are worrying even more about being moving targets! Why are we giving them reason to shoot at our tanks?

Everyone keeps talking about Andrew in the Falklands.. he flew helicopters.. that move a damn sight faster than tanks... in a war that had nothing comparable to the arsenal of weapons each side hold, or the technology.

So Harry wants a piece of the action.. at what cost to 'his' men?!

Answer 3

I dont understand what all the fuss is about with Harry going to Iraq. My 21yr old son has done his tour out there and nobody was bothered about him, so were is the difference? He is only a Prince in his private life, and he knew the risk when he joined up, as all recruits do. There wasn't all this fuss about Prince Andrew doing the job he trained to do. I believe that with all the coverage from the press on this matter they are putting our soldiers in danger.

Answer 4

I think every politician should have a child in the armed forces, as that it will give them a better perspective.

As for him, yes, I think it's a great idea. He shouldn't hide from war like Bush Jr. did.

I did some research after hearing about his decision an the type of tank he'll be commanding and it's true. The tank is a light-armoured RECONNAISANCE vehicle. That means his butt will not only be on the front lines, but he'll be spotting the enemy and telling the troops where to find the them before he has any back-up or support at all!

Answer 5

I think it shows a lot about his character. Its refreshing to see a leader get their hands dirty now and again, and Prince Harry seems determined to show that he's more than just his lineage. As for the reaction of the public, since the war in general isn't reflected on very highly I think the general response will be that he's being foolhardy for an unsupported cause. Though I don't believe Harry sees it that way at all or he wouldn't be going to fight. ;)

Answer 6

I feel that this move that the Prince has made might have a tinge of politics on it. The public needs to see evidence that their country's officials believe in the actions that they commit to. This is a way to show that, by putting up a "child of the authority" into the cause. This can partially be compared to a segment in Michael Moore's film "Fahrenheit 9/11" in which Moore goes to representatives of U.S. government to have them sign their sons or daughters up for the armed services to fight in Iraq. Of course, none of the rep.'s filmed actually signed their family members up for the army. Although this "documentary" had slanted opinion throughout its presentation, this incident of an unwillingness to even consider signing up their family members does spark questions within the public, especially the lower classes who supply most of the troops.

Answer 7

If Harry gets killed, it may be the catalyst to get all the british troops out. Sacraficial Lamb to the slaughter, whats more he really wants to go.
Then again it could be just an excuse to leave troops there if he gets killed, in a "look we send our leaders to die, blood n glory hurrah" what you all complaining about?
Also remember his granny is head of the church of england, it helps to keep this whole thing religion based like the crusades.

Answer 8

He will be like Andrew was in the falklands, in a nursery behind the front line troops who are the real soldiers

Answer 9

I thought the Brits were pulling out. I may have just heard part of a news report while on the computer.

Answer 10

I am very impressed and find it admirable that this young man of his royal lineage would risk his life in an unpopular war like Iraq. We need more leaders like him that are willing to risk their lives for something bigger than themselves. He is a courageous man and i have a great deal of respect for him now.

Answer 11

i think his attitude is just fine and it is his life and his choice to make if he wants to go out with rest of the troops in Iraq or where ever.