Without a shadow of doubt Britain has been hugely embarrassed by the recent fighting in Basra. We were caught on the wrong foot. It is a safe assumption that Nuri Al-Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite prime minister, had been planning for days to take on the out-of-control Shiite militias, even if it is true, as coalition spokesmen claim, that the coalition was only given last minute information of the “Iraqi-planned, Iraqi-led and Iraqi-executed operation”. Having been criticized over many months for failing to face up to this grave challenge to his government, Al-Maliki must be praised now for the courageous and bold decision he took.
For once President George Bush got it right when he said ordering a crackdown on these extremists was a “positive moment in the development of a sovereign nation that is willing to take on elements that believe they are beyond the law.”
No doubt Nuri Al-Maliki had been advised by his generals — and many of them are both able and experienced — that the army and police units had now been trained and equipped to a sufficient level to take on this nightmare task of fighting fellow Iraqis, supplied by Iran with huge quantities of weapons and explosives, in the back streets. I admire him for his sound idea to fly down to Saddam Hussein’s former palace in central Basra to take personal command of the operation. He told journalists his security forces would fight “to the end” against these ruthless militias, which are heavily involved in the massive oil-smuggling business in Iraq’s second city.
Within hours of the operation starting, as mortar bombs and rockets exploded, and the sound of machine-guns and rifles were heard seemingly from all directions, it became obvious a war with the Shiite militias had begun. It was by no means clear how or when it might end or on what terms. A three-day deadline to turn in weapons was extended by another ten days. Far more alarmingly, militia-affiliated police fired on army patrols and junior soldiers began to abandon their colleagues.
Hojatoleslam Moqtada Sadr, the leader of the Mehdi Army, called only for civil disobedience rather than a full-scale rebellion. But it was soon apparent the Mehdi Army was engaged in a bitter struggle with the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council which has its own militia, the Badr Brigade. A third group, the Fadilah Militia, was also locked into a struggle with the Mehdi Army.
The United Kingdom has only 4,100 troops in the whole of Southern Iraq at Basra Airport, just a few miles outside Basra City, with a further 500 in Kuwait. The United Kingdom had intended to reduce its military presence down to 2,500 early in 2008, prior to pulling out altogether. The Ministry of Defense in London have now said they are no longer thinking of making further cuts.
The 4,100 soldiers are supposed to have an “overwatch” role. They continue to train and support the Iraqi 10th Division, which is said to be in good order. British soldiers spend most of their time on “force protection” — guard duties and guarding supply convoys.
I would claim the 4,100 figure has been much influenced by political factors. Undoubtedly Prime Minister Gordon Brown considered taking all British soldiers out of Iraq when he took over from Tony Blair at the end of June. The army is concentrating today on Afghanistan. He decided against such a change of direction no doubt fearing the strains it would cause to the Anglo-American relationship, which he strongly supports.
As the situation developed the Iraqi government made it clear they would not stop attacking the militias despite an offer from their leaders to have a cease-fire. To start with, RAF bombers flew low over Basra and army helicopters supported Iraqi formations. By March 30, British artillery units had been called upon by the Iraqis to destroy militia mortars. British infantry also deployed outside their base to set up road blocks. It had become clear that the Iraqi units that the Americans and British had trained were not on top and required further assistance. I can only regard the fighting in Basra as extremely dangerous. Some 250 people were killed. For years British soldiers in that city were unwilling or unable to take full control of it. It now looks as if 30,000 Iraqi troops are in the same position.
UK is unlikely to withdraw all its combat troops and hand over Basra to the Americans. But America may have to deploy troops to Southern Iraq. The United Kingdom would be in trouble increasing its small contingent in Basra.
