British army lost the war in Irak : what's your opinion ?

Question

link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6958395.stm

Answer 1

What a load of rubbish.

The "war" in Iraq was over in three weeks and the British and Americans won it by comprehensivley defeating the Iraqi army.

Since then our troops have been stuck in the middle of a civil war between Sunni and Shiite muslims, acting as policemen.

The objective has always been to hand over the police effort to the Iraqis and come home. Thats what everyone wants.

The British withdrawal of 500 soldiers from one base in Basra to another base in Basra where the majority of our forces are already stationed is the first part of that.

How can that be losing a war?

Answer 2

I'm not sure how anyone can say this anything but a victory. The British troops have trained the Iraq police to run there own area, wasn't this what we were supposed to be doing? In fact the British could have handed Basra over a few months before.

I find it funny how an American General who is still struggling with problems in his area can criticize another country who have dropped the violent crime rate to below that in Washington.

Other links that might show a different side:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6975583.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6974611.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6986536.stm

Answer 3

The British Army also lost the war in France in 1940 - so what! Whatever the outcome in Iraq the British propaganda machine will whirl into action and make the whole thing seem like some kind of victory for at least common sense if not an actual outright military victory.

After the defeat of the British Army in France in 1940 - I think it was the American Army/Marines etc who took France back and the rest of western Europe too. Okay, so we were there, at least my dad was, along with a whole other mob of Brits, who my dad once described as "the most disorganised shower in history".

Stop worrying, lay back and enjoy.

Answer 4

My opinion is that the British were VERY foolish to get involved with George Bush in Iraq. My opinion is that the war was stupid and the Iraqis are much worse off now than they were before so perhaps the British and Americans lost if you think about Iraq is now

Answer 5

The Brits have done an outstanding job. Having trained with them years ago, they are men I would go into combat with, without a moments hesitation. They are extremely well trained, equipped, and motivated. On top of that, they are a great bunch of guys. The stomped the crap out of the enemy where ever they were. The politicians lost the PR war to the Liberal/Socialist media.

Answer 6

The real intension for Iraq war was getting control over oil resources by US and it has been achieved.The role of British Army was to assist US in the mission only.That also done.

Answer 7

Brits were stretched thin but preformed within the vague declaration of mission that was given them. They are outstanding professionals and given a clear mission will usually be first to the top of the hill, so to speak. I think the same must be said for the US forces, stretched to thin, ever changing mission without a clear cut statement of purpose. Military from both countries did a "****" job and my thanks to each and everyone of the uniformed personal from the UK and the US.

THANK YOU!!!

Answer 8

No they did not "lose". The whole point was to depose Saddam and they did. So hows that "losing"?

They are withdrawing now because its the right time to wind things down.

Answer 9

you can not win any conflict where the `enemy ` smiles at you in the street while plotting to kill you.bring our troops uk and usa out.when the iraqis decide they have killed enough of their own.they will sort their own problems out.

Answer 10

Did not lose but run out of motivation. Like , "what next and for how long?"