British army chief: prince to go to Iraq

[babylonsister]

Source: AP

British army chief: prince to go to Iraq

1 minute ago

LONDON - The head of the British army said Monday that he had personally decided that Prince Harry, the third in line to the throne, will serve with a combat unit in
Iraq.

Gen. Sir Richard Dannatt said the decision would be kept under review, but he hoped his statement would end media speculation on Harry's deployment.

"I would urge that the somewhat frenzied media activity surrounding this particular story should cease in the interests of the overall security of all our people deployed in Iraq," Dannatt said.

Clarence House, Prince Charles' London office, would not comment on the statement.

Harry, a 22-year-old second lieutenant, is a tank commander trained to lead a 12-man team in four armored reconnaissance vehicles. If deployed, he would become the first royal to serve in a war zone since his uncle, Prince Andrew, flew as a helicopter pilot in Britain's conflict with Argentina over the Fakland Islands in 1982.

Commanders reportedly had reconsidered their decision to allow the prince to fight in Iraq for fear his presence could endanger other soldiers. Harry's regiment, the Blues and Royals, is due to begin a six-month tour of duty in Iraq within weeks.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070430/ap_on_re_eu/prince_harry_iraq;_ylt=A0WTcUzUHzZGGAoA_gis0NUE

[mikelgb]

1. I sure hope they don't Tillman him

[grytpype]

2. Well, this should be good.

When the Iraqis capture him and cut off his head, maybe then we can admit we can't win this war and we can leave.

[Solo_in_MD]

3. Say what you will about the royals, this is the kind of leadership we need more of

[kimmylavin]

5. I have to disagree.

Prince Harry - and those serving with him - will now be targets.
They may as well have painted a bulls-eye on him.

If they wanted to exhibit leadership, the royal family would speak out against the war.

[Squatch]

6. Ummm....they're ALL targets.

Usually, soldiers of the opposing forces are all considered targets.

[kimmylavin]

7. Of COURSE they are.

But not in the same way.

President Bush has already proven that one dead American soldier doesn't really mean much.
Hell, he's proven that over 3000 dead American soldiers don't mean much.

If you were the commander of an "opposing force", the PRINCE of Bush's number-one lapdog country, though, would be QUITE a prize.

[harpboy_ak]

16. The Royals used to be BP's biggest shareholder

The Windsor family used to be the largest shareholder in BP (and have large holdings in other Brit energy companies).

So it sort of makes sense...

[Itchinjim]

4. Not that the royals are my favorite group of people in the world,

but the Bush family could learn a thing or two about duty and honor from Harry.

[MasonJar]

8. I admire the royals for always doing their duty. Please let's desist

demonizing a very brave young soldier who feels like he needs to be with his men, just like many US youth have felt. AWOL and Mr 6 Deferments look even more paltry and pathetic (which is quite hard to do in their place,) sending young men to die and kill when they were too drunk and drugged and cowardly to do their part.

[MasonJar]

9. I admire the royals for always doing their duty. Please let's desist

demonizing a very brave young soldier who feels like he needs to be with his men, just like many US youth have felt. AWOL and Mr 6 Deferments look even more paltry and pathetic (which is quite hard to do in their place,) sending young men to die and kill when they were too drunk and drugged and cowardly to do their part.

[MasonJar]

10. I admire the royals for always doing their duty. Please let's desist

demonizing a very brave young soldier who feels like he needs to be with his men, just like many US youth have felt. AWOL and Mr 6 Deferments look even more paltry and pathetic (which is quite hard to do in their place,) sending young men to die and kill when they were too drunk and drugged and cowardly to do their part.

[IndianaGreen]

11. Time for Princesses Jenna and Barbara Bush to don the military uniform and go off to war

And let's not forget Cheney's offspring as well! We can't let the British royals do their patriotic duty while our own "royalty" sits back home letting others die for their wars.

[Harmonicaman]

12. He will be in Iraq....

just long enough to get sand on his boots,
then off home to granny for tea and medals.


Whatever anyones personal feelings on this, he is an added liability to the men he will serve with, and that is something they DO NOT need.

[PaDUer]

13. Changed their mind again?

I read an article 1 or 1 2wks ago that they decided NOT to send him to Iraq because he'd be a target that would put a feather in their hat if they hit the Prince..what gives here??

[daleo]

14. If Britain can't send royals to a war zone, for fear of them being targets

Then there is no point in going through the charade of putting them into the RAF, RN or Army.

[NNguyenMD]

15. they should secretely move him to another unit without telling anyone

have him change his appearance to...only way to ensure that he doesn't attract attention.