[Edwin]

I personally think it's ridiculous that he's going. Not only is he going to be a prime target for kidnappers (which the government will probably bend over backwards to release unlike Alan Johnson) he'll put any other soldiers around him in immediate danger. I'm all for treating him like everyone else, but imagine the propaganda if some terrorist organisation got hold of a royal, it's time to ignore the ego of Prince Harry and not let him go.

What are your views on this?

[Polka.dot]

i agree it's like he's going out of his way to appear normal in his eyes. but most ppl don't go to blimmin iraq so its not exactly normal!

[lily.]

I agree also Edwin. I'm all for him doing his service and "mucking in" with the jobs, but posting him out there is ludicrous. As you so rightly said, no matter how much our government stress their "we don't negotiate with terrorists" policies, I'm sure that wouldn't be the case if he were to be kidnapped.

And, also as you said, it puts those serving alongside him in more danger than they already are.

It simply should not happen.

[Sunny_01]

I agree with you all, its not so much him I worry about it is his troop. They are all potential targets while they are with him and it's not as if they are not already going to be in enough danger!

His constant need to be thought of as a normal guy is sweet but I just hope that he realises soon that he aint! with the background he has he will never be thought of as normal, and he needs to get to grips with that and maybe even enjoy the status.

All that said I wish him and his troop well for their tour and hope we all see them back safely.

[Edwin]

Thank god some people see sense. I wish the government would use their brains for once.

[lily.]

Don't hold your breath Edwin.

Our government aren't famous for making the right decisions.

[J.C.]

I feel it's crazy sending Prince Harry to Iraq for all the same reasons already said. He certainly has an important role to play in the Army and good for him saying that he wanted to go but perhaps it was ill advised words.

Supposedly, these organizations can't make decisions based only on public opinion, but every time they ignore it they are setting themselves up with a potential big problem and one that can easily be avoided. It would be very simple to explain to the country why, under these circumstances it is not appropriate to send him.

[J.C.]

Originally posted by Edwin
I personally think it's ridiculous that he's going. Not only is he going to be a prime target for kidnappers (which the government will probably bend over backwards to release unlike Alan Johnson) he'll put any other soldiers around him in immediate danger. I'm all for treating him like everyone else, but imagine the propaganda if some terrorist organisation got hold of a royal, it's time to ignore the ego of Prince Harry and not let him go.

What are your views on this?

Out of interest, do you think the government are not doing anything to secure Alan Johnsons`s release. Thats quite an interesting point. Now I think about it, all I have seen is stuff by the BBC and usually the Government get involved. I know about the behind the scenes type of things but it doesn't seem like they are doing anything really ??

[bananarama]

Originally posted by Edwin
I personally think it's ridiculous that he's going. Not only is he going to be a prime target for kidnappers (which the government will probably bend over backwards to release unlike Alan Johnson) he'll put any other soldiers around him in immediate danger. I'm all for treating him like everyone else, but imagine the propaganda if some terrorist organisation got hold of a royal, it's time to ignore the ego of Prince Harry and not let him go.

What are your views on this?

I could not agree more. As you say to send a target and risk other service men/women at the same time is criminal stupidity at its worst.

They should ask themselves is there a tactical advantage or disadvantage in sending him. I know how most people would have to answer that!!!

Its nothing more than macho politics at the risk of endangering other troops without just cause. As I said in my view it is not just stupid but stupid to the point of being criminal neglegence in endangering other troops lives. Other mothers sons/daughters just so Harry can have a macho image of being brave and just one of the lads.

He may be brave (Stupid idiots often are as they are to stupid to appreciate danger when it stares them in the face). The war is not there for his career. He and the Royal family and the Government and the generals don't seem to get that message.....

[Edwin]

Originally posted by J.C.
Out of interest, do you think the government are not doing anything to secure Alan Johnsons`s release. Thats quite an interesting point. Now I think about it, all I have seen is stuff by the BBC and usually the Government get involved. I know about the behind the scenes type of things but it doesn't seem like they are doing anything really ??

They never did anything for Kenneth Bigley either. That's what annoys me the most, the government will bend over backwards (for terrorist organisations) if Prince Harry were to be held hostage, making the terorrists feel powerful, yet with Ken Bigley or Alan Johnson they'll do/did nothing. It's injustice at it's worst.

[bananarama]

Harry is not being sent to Iraq........Common sense prevails for once....

[James]

Prince Harry not to serve in Iraq

Prince Harry will not be sent to Iraq, the head of the British Army has said.

The prince had previously stated that he wanted to be involved in active service with his unit.

But the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, has confirmed the Prince will not go with his regiment, the Blues and Royals.

The prince is \"very disappointed\" at the decision but will not be leaving the Army as a result, Clarence House said in a statement.

The prince had previously stated that he wanted to be involved in active service with his unit.

But the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, has confirmed the Prince will not go with his regiment, the Blues and Royals.

The prince is \"very disappointed\" at the decision but will not be leaving the Army as a result, Clarence House said in a statement.

\'Extremely disappointed\'

BBC defence correspondent Paul Adams said the MoD would have taken account of reports the insurgents in Iraq planned to target the prince.

It has been reported that they had planned to kill or kidnap the prince, and also that his photograph had been widely circulated among insurgents.

The move represents a U-turn by the MoD, which said as recently as last month that the prince would be heading to Iraq as an armed reconnaissance officer.

In a statement, the general said: \"Following a visit to Iraq last week I discovered a number of threats relating directly to Prince Harry and those around him and I am not prepared to export those risks.

\"I know Prince Harry will be extremely disappointed and his soldiers will miss his presence in Iraq.....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6663053.stm

[Dr43%er]

While i agree with the bits about putting others in danger I have to ask, what is the point of being in the army if you can not do the job you were trained to do. Where ever he was sent he would be a target. How can you command the respect of your troops if you have never seen active service? Andrew served in the Falklands and as much as i dislike the royals, fair play to him for going. I also find it insulting that his life is being seen as more important as others.

[Joe]

yeah its a sticky situation. He went in the army and therefore should be able to carry out his duties but at the same time if he is going to be a risk to himself and his fellow soldiers then is it really worth it?

The army will be criticised both ways. Either he goes and if the worst did happen then there would be a huge media backlash. But then if we dont let him go then there really isnt point in him being in the army.

Its him I feel sorry for

[Edwin]

Good, he isn't going.

[Dr43%er]

My thoughts are that it is very easy to stand there and say you really want to go, looking all brave when he knew full well he would never be sent.

[bananarama]

Originally posted by Joe
yeah its a sticky situation. He went in the army and therefore should be able to carry out his duties but at the same time if he is going to be a risk to himself and his fellow soldiers then is it really worth it?

The army will be criticised both ways. Either he goes and if the worst did happen then there would be a huge media backlash. But then if we dont let him go then there really isnt point in him being in the army.

Its him I feel sorry for

I don't feel sorry for him in the least. Silly lad should have more sense than to want to put his young neck on the block for a war that cannot and will not be won.....


This war is a different ketle of fish to the Falklands war. The argentines would not want to capture and or behead him.....He would have been killed or taken as a normal prisoner of war.

These people are a different beast altogether........It woyld be silly to send a prime target for the enemy to aim at along with all those around him.

You are right what is the point of him being a sevice man. I believe prime targets should not be in the services at all. They are bait for the modern enemy to aim for and serve no practical benefit in joining the armed forces.

It's time the Royals stopped this macho impulse to brave ones life to prove they are just another one of the lads....The Royals can never be just one of the lads.....Thats the reality....

I don't believe it is a question of his life being more important than anyone elses. There is simply no tactical advantage for a Royal to show off how brave he or she is.

Wars are not started for the benefit of serving soldiers to show off and go on a charcter building exercise as some commentators think he should have the right to do.

Tactics beneficial or not should be the only question to answer. His personal career is of no value to man or beast...

Its time Royals got down to doing real none combatent jobs and stopped wanting to play the officer I am one of the lads power games....

[nodisharmony]

I am glad he's not going to war.

It is a very stupid and pointless decision and there are plenty of troops that can do the job better and more safely.

He will be a target and everyone who is with him, is in more danger than ever.

and the troops all have families & friends and they will be very concerned for them too.





nodisharmony