|
|
|
Defence Analysts CautiousWed, April 02, 2003Source: Ananova NewsDefence analysts are questioning coalition claims that the conflict in Iraq is entering a "decisive stage".Defence analysts are questioning coalition claims that the conflict in Iraq is entering a "decisive stage". The commander of British forces, Air Marshal Brian Burridge, made the claim as US troops fought Republican Guards near the holy city of Karbala, some 50 miles south of the capital, Baghdad. British troops are also continuing their efforts to secure the second city of Basra. But experts following the events in the Gulf said it is often difficult to assess the significance of battles on the ground until the guns fell silent. Thomas Withington, an independent defence analyst affiliated to the Centre for Defence Studies at King's College, London, said the battles need to be looked at in the wider context. "I always tend to think it's easier to say something's decisive after the event," he said. "It's difficult to say at the moment. Something really insignificant might appear not to be in the long run." Major Charles Heyman, editor of Jane's World Armies, agreed. "Military operations are always entering a decisive phase," he said. "It's nothing unusual. There will be yet more decisive phases. It's a bit of a throwaway line. Almost every day is decisive. It doesn't mean anything at this stage." Mr Withington added: "Not much is probably going to happen until the (US) 4th infantry division get there (south of Baghdad) in about a week then drive north towards Baghdad." |
|
