The new Dunkirk ?

[Zen]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/6975375.stm

[Loosehead]

so what planet are you inhabiting theses days? What an absolute&**&^%. I know there are dummies on here but really you have set a new standard.

[jno]

well, not exactly; the enemy isn't just across the channel. But I think, ultimately, we are pulling out because we are losing. Notice how in the last few days military wallahs have been busy shifting the blame - not necessarily unfairly - onto the Americans?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6973618.stm

[Zen]

"Lions led by donkeys" is a phrase popularly used to describe the British infantry of the First World War and to condemn the generals who commanded them. The contention is that the brave soldiers (lions) were sent to their deaths by incompetent and indifferent leaders (donkeys). The phrase was the source of the title of one of the most scathing examinations of British First World War generals, The Donkeys by British historian Alan Clark.

Substitute the word Generals with Politicians....

[dannyday5821]

indeed, lions led by donkeys. the exact reason i refuse to join the army - i have to be careful what i say in front of relatives, my cousin has joined!

ill never forget the ridiculous plans of "walking" over no mans land. (well, obviously the plan was more detailed than that...well, im sure plenty of historians disagree but anyway...) i read some accounts by german soldiers who said they stopped firing sometimes out of compasion, as they had just so easily mowed down a ridiculous number of men with minimal effort...madness...

i tell you what always makes me laugh, when the politicans go and see the soldiers in their camps. excuse my language but what the f***ing point!? if i was a solider, id rather say....

"Oi - BLAIR! NOOOOOOOOO!!! Get your gear on, get your SA-80, and start firing you big eared fool!!!"

well, unlikley i would, but id be thinking it, and quietly smiling to myself!

[Hugh Spencer]

I don't think there is any comparison to Dunkirk. The gradual withdrawal of all forces in Iraq is a means of the Iraqs taking more and more responsibility for their country. I think a lot of the opposition is there because many Iraqis want us out. In a similar vein, I think the military should review where our forces are in the world and should they be there, e.g. Belize? Successive governments have not supported the troops with the necessary manpower or equipment to maintain the overseas postings. Build up our strength, then we will be fitter forces.

[Lonnie]

You have to look at the Arab mentality here, whether its its a defeat or not, the Arabs will look at it as a victory, and celebrate it as such.

After the 67 Arab-Israeli war, where the Egyptions were sorely trounced, they went back and held Victory parades.

I just put that down as an example, but i'm sure something like that will happen here.