Look who146;s laughing now

Now, whatever has been learnt from intelligence sources about the threats against Prince Harry, the confession 8212; in a blaze of publicity 8212; that it is too risky to send a qualified, well-trained and properly motivated officer to serve his country in Iraq, albeit a member

of the Royal Family, sends a clear message to the Shia extremists. They will be laughing.

Some senior American commanders in Iraq believe that Britain had already been sending the wrong signals, well

before the Harry decision, by indicating plans to withdraw a substantial proportion of troops in Iraq by the end of this year.

With America increasing its troop presence in Baghdad by five brigades, one can sympathise with their view that 8216;the Brits8217; are acting prematurely. Again, who stands to benefit most by a declared British troop withdrawal, the ordinary people of Basra or the extremists whose cancerous influence is spreading?

From an article by Michael Evans in 8216;The Times8217;, London, May 18