So, is it over?

[Byron In Exile]

My point was that the British forces let the looting take place. It was planned for. It was clear demonstration that the previous administration was no longer in charge. Although there was interim chaos, it allowed the citizens to feel free of the control they'd been under.

That's called "damage control."

You don't demonstrate the joys of freedom to people by letting thieves cart off everything that isn't nailed down. That's just going to make people want Saddam back. The British turned a blind eye to looting simply because there wasn't much else they could do. I don't think it's necessarily negligence so much as a question of priorities, but the contingency could have been better anticipated.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2931131.stm

In one episode British soldiers foiled a raid on a bank vault, military spokesmen said.

It was also reported that one looter had been stoned to death after an angry mob rounded on four men caught stealing from shops. ...

On Tuesday, British troops had to fire into the air to prevent young men from stripping aid lorries bare.

BBC correspondent Clive Myrie said looting was a serious obstacle to getting aid into the city, and further violence was expected on Wednesday.

As well as aid lorries, thousands have also targeted hospitals, schools, banks, hotels and the police station.

Reporters said they had seen fridges, ceiling fans, fire engines, pieces of corrugated iron and even a grand piano being wheeled along the streets.

British forces have so far only intervened by firing warning shots in certain circumstances.

Their inaction has angered many civilians, but they claim they have not enough resources to act as a police force.

So now they've gone from "we meant for this to happen" to "we don't have resources to stop it"?

Spokesman Group Captain Al Lockwood told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We certainly have obligations under international law as, much as I hate to use the word, an occupying force, to make sure there is law and order, and we will do this."

And doesn't that contradict the assertion that their intent was that there be looting?

 

[Somme]

...only just started?

 

[Byron In Exile]

...only just started?

Only just started.

In April 2003.

 

[Byron In Exile]

Seems like yesterday.

 

[tactful]

One down,
two to go, or is that three ?

 

[Byron In Exile]

One down,
two to go, or is that three ?

I thought it was one... oh, wait...