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Government stunned by Army chief's Iraq blast
Last updated at 15:22pm on 13.10.06
Call to arms: General Sir Richard Dannatt
A blistering assessment of British policy in Iraq from the country's top soldier left Tony Blair reeling today.
General Sir Richard Dannatt said troops should come home within two years - flatly contradicting the Prime Minister's policy that the military will stay "as long as it takes".
In unprecedented comments he warned that the Army could 'break' if British soldiers are kept too long in Iraq.
"I want an Army in five years time and 10 years time. Don't let's break it on this one. Let's keep an eye on time," he said.
See also:
• Sir Richard Dannatt: A very honest General
• Soldiers unite in praise for top general
Downing Street was aghast at the general's remarks, though in public it offered "full support".
His comments come after an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, where Sir Richard warned that the continuing presence of British troops "exacerbates the security problems" in Iraq and added that a "moral and spiritual vacuum" has opened up in British society, which is allowing Muslim extremists to undermine "our accepted way of life."
The Chief of the General Staff believes that Christian values are under threat in Britain and that continuing to fight in Iraq will only make the situation worse.
His views have sent shockwaves through Government.
They are a total repudiation of the Prime Minister, who has repeatedly insisted that British presence in Iraq is morally right and has had no effect on our domestic security.
Sir Richard, who took up his post earlier this year, warned that "our presence in Iraq exacerbates" the "difficulties we are facing around the world."
He lambasts Tony Blair's desire to forge a "liberal democracy" in Iraq as a "naive" failure and he warns that "whatever consent we may have had in the first place" from the Iraqi people "has largely turned to intolerance."
In one of the most outspoken interviews ever given by a serving soldier, Sir Richard also reveals:
* He was "outraged" by reports of injured soldiers recouperating in hospital alongside civilians being confronted by anti-war campaigners who told them to remove their uniforms.
* He gave Defence Secretary Des Browne a dressing down about the "unaccepatble" treatment of injured soldiers, warning him that the government was in danger of breaking the "covenant" between a nation and its Army and should not "let the Army down."
* He understands why Prince William and Prince Harry want to serve on the frontline but has not yet decided whether they will be allowed to fight in Afghanistan.
But it is Sir Richard's views of the situation in Iraq that will enrage Downing Street.
He says clearly we shoud "get ourselves out sometime soon because our presence exacerbates the security problems."
"We are in a Muslim country and Muslims' views of foreigners in their country are quite clear."
As a foreigner, you can be welcomed by being invited in a country, but we weren't invited certainly by those in Iraq at the time.
"The military campaign we fought in 2003 effectively kicked the door in. Whatever consent we may have had in the first place, may have turned to tolerance and has largely turned to intolerance."
"That is a fact. I don't say that the difficulties we are experiencing round the world are caused by our presence in Iraq but undoubtedly our presence in Iraq exacerbates them."
In comments that set him at loggerheads with Mr Blair, Gen Dannatt warns that the good intentions of 2003 have long since evaporated - pitching British troops into a lethal battle that few at home can understand.
"I think history will show that the planning for what happened after the initial successful war fighting phase was poor, probably based more on optimism than sound planning," he said.
"The original intention was that we put in place a liberal democracy that was an exemplar for the region, was pro West and might have a beneficial effect on the balance within the Middle East."
"That was the hope, whether that was a sensible or naïve hope history will judge. I don't think we are going to do that. I think we should aim for a lower ambition."
The Prime Minister has repeatedly insisted that British troops must stay until the Iraqi security forces are able to take charge - a forlorn hope as the country has slipped to the brink of civil war.
Sir Richard warned that the consequences will be felt at home, where failure to support Christian values is allowing a predatory Islamist vision to take hold.
He said: "When I see the Islamist threat in this country I hope it doesn't make undue progress because there is a moral and spiritual vacuum in this country."
"Our society has always been embedded in Christian values; once you have pulled the anchor up there is a danger that our society moves with the prevailing wind."
"There is an element of the moral compass spinning. I think it is up to society to realise that is the situation we are in."
"We can't wish the Islamist challenge to our society away and I believe that the army both in Iraq and Afghanistan and probably wherever we go next, is fighting the foreign dimension of the challenge to our accepted way of life."
"We need to face up to the Islamist threat, to those who act in the name of Islam and in a perverted way try to impose Islam by force on societies that do not wish it."
"It is said that we live in a post Christian society. I think that is a great shame. The broader Judaic-Christian tradition has underpinned British society. It underpins the British army."
General Dannatt says he has "more optimism" that "we can get it right in Afghanistan."
But he condemned the treatment of injured British soldiers, who have been forced to share wards with civilians in Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham.
Sir Richard said he confronted Mr Browne about the "covenant" between a nation and its armed forces.
"I said to the Secretary of State the army wont let the nation down but I don't want the nation to let the army down."
"It is not acceptable for our casualties to be in mixed wards with civilians. I was outraged at the story of someone saying take your uniform off'. Our people need the privacy of recovering in a military environment - a soldier manning a machine gun in Basra loses consciousness when he is hit by a missile and next recovers consciousness in a hospital in the UK."
"He wants to wake up to familiar sights and sounds, he wants to see people in uniform. He doesn't want to be in a civilian environment."
He added: "I am going to stand up for what is right for the army. Honesty is what it is about. The truth will out. We have got to speak the truth."
Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: "When I was in Iraq, soldiers told me the same thing."
"They said the reaction had gone from welcome, to consent to mere tolerance and they said that this meant we didn't have an indefinite licence to be there."
"To have one of our senior military figures speaking out on behalf of those under his commenad is a refreshing change."
"General Dannatt is completely right to say that it's a scandal ro have injured servicemen on mixed wards with civilians."
Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesman Michael Moore said: "This is the frankest assessment we have had about Iraq. It illustrates that the government has no clear strategy."
The party's defence spokesman Nick Harvey added: "This drives a coach and horses through the government's foreign policy."
Reader views (31)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Is anyone really surprised that our military leaders are sick and tired of modern day politicians.
When a country is as angry with its politicians as ours is currently, with little hope of any improvement, in many countries the military would intervene not just with words!
We need to get some politicians with some backbone and start sorting out this countrys immigration, crime and public sector waste to mention but a few issues before we go on any more crusades across the globe. Get your own doorstep clean first!!
- John, York
This is very, very serious. The head of the army must be truly deeply concerned at what is going on in both Iraq & Afghanistan. Traditionally a serving General never voices political opinions in public. This is virtually unprecedented and this man has risked being sacked. My guess is that he knows Blair cannot sack him without risking bringing the government down. It is incredibly damaging to Blair & Co, it makes me wonder if we will have a general election sooner rather than later!
- James Ritchie, London, UK.
Hey , yes lets get all the troops out and let the country swim in the blood of real civil war and anarchy, as long as we are ok , thats all that matters isn't it?
- Brian, Swindon
May God give Sir Richard the fortitude to ignore his critics and stand by his view. He would not be the first commander who defied his superior and thereby saved the day for his country.
- Gerd Untermann, Claremont Ontario Canada
Well done General! He has it spot on. While many of us supported the need to remove Sadam, things have clearly got out of hand, both here and abroad.
Blair and his bunch are complete idiots. Running the country with smoke, mirrors and soundbites is one thing, but these same policies are being used in Iraq. Shame on you Blair, I hope you like what you see when you shave in the morning.
- James, Rayleigh
It is heart warming to find that there are still members of our society, be it in the armed force or government, that are still willing to speak what they see as the truth. It is about time more people speak out against the current policies of the present government, "follow the Americans" which is unfortunately blighting the good name of Britain.
- Kingsley Li, London UK
Well done - someone who will speak the truth!
I for one will not be voting Labour again. All we have had are lies, lies, and more lies from them.
- J Kaur, London
Actually the Queen has no judicial rights in respect to bringing the Government down, sadly! Her role is purely as Head of State and out of tradition and by and large respect she is still treated as nice as she is.
I'm a royalist so no axe to grind, but there it is.
Australia was different matter.
I have to say though, that the UK population re-voted Mr Blair and the rest of this shambles government 'back' into power, even knowing all the nonsense he stokes as we as the lies he and his regime have spread. Your fault!
Sir Richard is a professional and an Officer who is stating the facts based upon the feedback and experience on the ground. The comments are not meant to be politically in their content and I believe he feels this whole ridiculous states of affairs has go on too long - hence the public speech.
Well done Sir Richard for sanding up and being counted - something Blair can never do unless told to do so or he thinks he'll get good publicity.
- Simon Jenkins, Zurich
The Queen as Head of State has the powers to sack the present UK government, set a date for a new general election and appoint an intelligent and courageous general like Dannatt as inerim PM.
Most people would trust a professional man in high public office more than this current bunch of opportunistic politicians.
Background: The Queen had indeed sacked a government in the past, namley in Australia via her Governor General back in 1975.
Gough Withlam, amongst many other things, such as unsuccessfully curbing the US/CIA influence in his country, pulled Australian troops out of Vietnam and had his Saigon embassy closed in 1973, 2 years before the Vietcong victory.
- Weddigen, London
I congratulate Sir Richard for being honest.
- David Palmer, France
Our esteemed colleague General Sir Richard Dannatt has a keen eye for finding mistakes like the rest of the world. However he offers no plan or strategy for fixing the problem other than leaving us out to dry which I'm sure no one would have a problem with. It seems he learned his bold tactics of retreating from the French.
- Crazychristoph, Morgantown, US
I praise this General for the strength, and courage to speak out against a war that is destroying the very fabric of the United States and Great Britian. We can no longer support a war that has no reasonable chance of success in the aims that it was initiated for. The daily carnage experianced by soldiers and civilian alike is almost certainly to cause a ripple effect in the hearts and minds of all involved that can only be viewed as negative, with greater upheaval in regards to the differences that muslims and christians have held for many hundreds of years.
- Tony, Camp Verde, US
General Sir Richard Dannatt should be fired immediately!
- Wayne Trieschmann, Major, Usaf, Zachary, USA
I wish our military leaders had the courage to speak their minds as General Dannett has done. Political correctness be damned!
- John Flickinger, Canton, Ohio USA
So far only retired Generals in the USA have spoken out so boldly. I can only hope for our active officers to follow your General's courageous path. West Point makes clear every officer's primary mission throughout their commission and that is the unending obligation to protect their men, with out regard for their own safety. It's time for the Generals, who are never within rifle shot to do their duty and risk the political shots that may come.
- Gregory Keenan, Westport CT USA
The general is clearly speaking this way, because this is the broad view. Of course, on the way out of Iraq, we need to invade Iran and on the way out
of Iran, Pakistan.
- Old Atlantic, Atlantic City, USA
A glimmer of hope in a time of desperate need.
- Eric, New York, USA
Sir Richard's observations are interesting and enlightening to read. And kudos to him for expressing such refreshing candor - he is sticking up for the British, and by extension, the Western way of life and Christian values; but to his great credit it seems to me that most of all he is sticking up for his men.
- Uncle Ian, Toronto, Canada
Are you listing Tony?
- Earl , Evansville, Indiana, USA
Wow! This is just brilliant! This is a brave, patriotic, loyal soldier who is just telling the Truth (with a capital “T”). As an American, I only have to add that, Gen. Dannatt’s statement closely parallels, (but is even more focused than,) those of the US “Joint Intelligence Estimate” and a number of leading Americans, including former President H.W. Bush’s Secretary of State, James Baker (who heads a high-powered Administration-sponsored bi-partisan study group on Iraq) and Senate Armed Services Committee Chair, John Warner (Republican of Virginia).
Also, as a Briton, Gen. Dannatt may feel constrained from saying one thing, which should be obvious to all. Britain is really a very small junior partner in the Iraq War, with 7,000 troops while the American contingent exceeds 140,000. So the lack of direction which Gen Dannatt describes, is really just due to the lack of direction of the “senior partner”, and similarly Blair’s “naïveté” only reflects the catastrophic stupidity of George W. Bush.
Both should get the boot, the sooner the better!
- David Irby, Dingle, Ireland
General Dannatt is absolutely correct in his assessment, his comments are
a breath of fresh air in this debate. I was vehemently against the war in
Iraq, but supported our troops 100% once we went in (like everyone else).
The time to pull out is coming quickly, 6 months could be too late. We will
have to go soon. Basra and southern Iraq are more settled now at this
time, but could erupt soon. We will have to say 'this is not perfect, but it
will have to do'. Prince William and Harry are Soldiers now and must go
where their Regiments go, Princes have done it in history before.
- Ken Sharples, Preston. UK
What a refreshing perspective. This is the kind of general you want to have in place to ensure that government, removed from the action, does not descend into a state of denial. Cheers to General Sir Richard Dannatt!
- Piero Rocca, Toronto, Canada
This bit is very, very, very interesting!
"the government was in danger of breaking the "covenant" between a nation and its Army and should not "let the Army down."
- Icedragon, Wales
How refreshing to see a Senior Officer in our armed forces standing up to the crass policies of this government.
General Sir Richard Dannatt has stated what most politicians know but are too scared to endorse with debate for fear of being seen as not following the party line or being "non PC".
General Sir Richard Dannatt's comments to the Daily Mail will, I hope, have a positive effect and save some of the lives of our solidiers and airmen.
- Bob P, Barnstaple, UK
Your General is the first high level official to speak the truth. I don't however see how Afghanistan will ever turn out any different.
- Michael Hoover, Oliver, British Columbia
A refreshingly honest view.
Now wait for the messanger to be stoned to death to try to hide from the truth.
- Neil, Auckland, New Zealand
At long last, someone in a position of power and authority who has the fortitude to tell the truth about this quagmire the West has been thrown into.
Well done Sir Richard.
- G Bates, Victoria, Canada
May God Bless this Commander. I pray he continues to find strength to stand up for truth and justice, on behalf of first the Army, British citizens, and the world. It is admirable, that someone has the courage to say exactly what is happening in Iraq. Enough of the games from the leaders involved , this war cannot be won. It is high time to pack up and move out. The Chief is absolutely right.
- Vivienne, Hamilton, Ontario Canada
Once again political leaders fail to realise the mistakes of the past. Who are we to enforce our way of life on a foreign land, look at the past 1000 years of history and it is clear it has not worked once or has prolonged for only a short time.
Simply, the Bush, Blair and Howard, shock and awe campaign is truly one of shock and stupidity, with lasting civil humanitariun consequenses. Not to mention the creation of a new generation of terrorists hellbent on the destruction of those who have taken part in this debacle.
Politicians will come and go with the wind, and are soon forgotten. Unfortunatley the scars of there actions will take hundreds of years to healing.
- Brett Thorburn, Adelaide Australia
Sir Richard is to be honoured for caring more for his men and his country than for political gain at Whitehall.
A rare man indeed!
- Gerd Untermann, Claremont Ontario Canada
Is General Sir Richard actually French?
- Red Ducati, Attleboro MA USA
