Sion Simon

It was stated during the debate on the Armed Forces Bill 2006 in the commons on Monday (21/05/06) that the War/ Occupation of Iraq is legal because of a UN resolution. While this may be the case it does not mean that the conduct of the War/ Occupation is legal. But more on
that another time.

During the debate Sion Simon MP (Lab) had the arrogance to state that "it is not possible for this country's armed forces to launch or be involved in an illegal war. It has never happened, it will never happen, and it cannot happen. Only in the minds of mad conspiracy theorists does this country launch illegal wars. It is not possible, and that is why it is not accounted for in the Bill."????

I would like to invite the honourable member for Erdington to join me on a trip to Iraq. We will venture outside of that favourite haunt of western politicians "the Green Zone", he can then see for himself the true situation on the ground and whether or not this country is involved in an illegal war.

The last straw

I am an ex soldier who served during the 2003 gulf conflict. I had a lot of fun in the British Army and have a lot of good mates. I've served in various campaigns (Falklands, NI, Iraq) but Iraq was last straw for me. Luckily I was in my last 18 mths of service and hung around to secure my pension after 22 years - I think I was owed it. I would have thought seriously about terminating if I had longer to do, a lot of other blokes did sign off after returning from Iraq after the conflict.

As for the Yanks they were pants! 'All the gear - and no idea!' was a well worn phrase. 'F*ck the Iraqis, we're only here to kill people' was one choice phrase I heard - and that came from a Yank Lt Col in the MEF as he ordered M1A1 tanks to return fire when engaged by small arms - Mei Lai - Vietnam?? No Umm Qasr - Iraq. Winners never commit war crimes 'cos nobody investigates them - he's lucky is all I can say!

We, on the other hand were like paupers; no kit, no money and obvious pawns of Dubya. When we arrived in Jan 03 the politicos were still humming and hawing about going to war. When we saw the amount of kit the Yanks had shifted into Theatre it was obvious to us all we were not coming back without a fight - so the public face of Hoon, Blair and Straw was a joke to us all.

We were briefed to expect a massive chemical onslaught yet we had limited NBC supplies. The night before we 'broke the berm' we were still not in receipt of chemical medecine measures. Pathetic! Geoff Hoon was not even there but continued to deny that we were poorly equipped.

It rapidly became obvious, even when we crossed 'the line of death' that Saddam, complete twat that he was mind you (and I didn't have a problem about getting rid of him or his mob!) had no WMD and that his much vaunted Republican Guard didn't fancy a fight or, indeed, dying on his behalf.

We're still there, still dying and still Tony puts on the 'we did what we had to do' rhetoric. I was disgusted before we went and, everyday, am confronted by blatant lies concerning our involvement. It makes me sick! I'm just glad I'm not part of it any more.
Anon