So, Harry isn't going to Iraq then.

Mark · 16-05-2007, 19:23

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

So then, I guess the MoD finally saw sense. I was discussing this, as you do, in the back of a taxi while in America, and we came to the same conclusion - that he'd have put both himself and his unit in danger by going.

One thing I picked up on, and the reason for this thread...

Quote:

Mr Keys added: "It would appear that Harry's life is more valuable than my son or the other nearly 150 service personnel who've given their lives."

On a personal level, I'd think that was pretty obvious, but then I don't have family in Iraq, and I certainly don't personally know anyone who has been killed in Iraq. I can certainly see how either of these would bring a different perspective to things.

Muban · 16-05-2007, 19:30

It all depends on your perspective I suppose. I think he should have gone. If there was never any intention of allowing him to serve and perform his role fully then he never should have been allowed to join. If this is going to be the attitude from now on I sincerely hope they stop anyone from the royal family (or anyone who could be seen to have high profile connections of any kind) joining the armed forces again.

Zirax · 16-05-2007, 20:34

This was entirely caused by the media. There will have been news reports out there saying that the future king of England is coming over. Cue just about everyone trying to have a pop at him.

If they really seriously wanted him to go, initiate a media blackout until he gets back, then tell everyone. Don't even let them give the hint that he could be off to Iraq. It would have been far more controlled and less of a risk would have been posed. Still the media love a good story and if he really wanted to go then they have ballsed this up for him.

Feek · 16-05-2007, 20:36

Not a bad decision, he'd have been a missile magnet and so would anyone around him.

Justsomebloke · 16-05-2007, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zirax

This was entirely caused by the media. There will have been news reports out there saying that the future king of England is coming over. .

He's not the future King though is he. I remember Andrew flying choppers at the Falklands & Harry is the brother of the future king as was Andrew. In my mind there is no difference in risk.
What this says to me is things must be Way out of hand over there for them not to let him go, way way out of hand.

Zirax · 16-05-2007, 21:26

Agreed, but I was making the point that the media out there will be putting it that way. I do agree that its probably a lot worse than what we are hearing.

semi-pro waster · 16-05-2007, 22:20

I reckon he should have gone (or should go) because he is a professional soldier. Combat is what he has trained for and that was the deal when he signed up, if he doesn't go then it sets a bad precedent. I can understand the reasoning (I think) but ideally his position in society shouldn't make for different treatment. I'd agree with Muban, if soldiers from high profile positions aren't going to be allowed to actually do their job then they shouldn't be allowed to join.

This quite probably was nothing to do with the boy himself though and if reports are true he will be absolutely fizzing about it.

Von Smallhausen · 16-05-2007, 22:33

Whether he's disappointed or not .... collatorally it's the right decision. No question he would have put thos around him at risk by him just being there and it would have taken a lot of personnel to protect him if he went.

I just think this could have been planned better with a media blackout.

Mark · 16-05-2007, 23:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Von Smallhausen

I just think this could have been planned better with a media blackout.

Me too - you don't get to hear about it when top UK or US politicians visit until they're actually there, so why on earth didn't they do the same for Harry?

Desmo · 17-05-2007, 08:36

Because those in power didn't want him to go?

What better way to get this than create a media frenzy on him going and then say he can't because it puts others in too much risk.

They could have had a media blackout if they really wanted to.

16-05-2007, 19:30	#2
Muban Shoes, Boobs & Corsets Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The fastest town in Scotland Posts: 1,882	It all depends on your perspective I suppose. I think he should have gone. If there was never any intention of allowing him to serve and perform his role fully then he never should have been allowed to join. If this is going to be the attitude from now on I sincerely hope they stop anyone from the royal family (or anyone who could be seen to have high profile connections of any kind) joining the armed forces again. __________________ well, not to put a too fine point to it, he was discovered.. in the lounge

16-05-2007, 20:36	#4
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	Not a bad decision, he'd have been a missile magnet and so would anyone around him. __________________

16-05-2007, 22:20	#7
semi-pro waster Provider of sensible advice about homosexuals Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: London Posts: 2,615	I reckon he should have gone (or should go) because he is a professional soldier. Combat is what he has trained for and that was the deal when he signed up, if he doesn't go then it sets a bad precedent. I can understand the reasoning (I think) but ideally his position in society shouldn't make for different treatment. I'd agree with Muban, if soldiers from high profile positions aren't going to be allowed to actually do their job then they shouldn't be allowed to join. This quite probably was nothing to do with the boy himself though and if reports are true he will be absolutely fizzing about it. __________________ "Your friend is the man that knows all about you, and still likes you." - Elbert Hubbard

16-05-2007, 22:33	#8
Von Smallhausen I'm Free Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tyneside Posts: 3,061	Whether he's disappointed or not .... collatorally it's the right decision. No question he would have put thos around him at risk by him just being there and it would have taken a lot of personnel to protect him if he went. I just think this could have been planned better with a media blackout. __________________ " Well, old bean, life is really so bloody awful that I feel it’s my absolute duty to be chirpy and try and make everybody else happy too." David Niven, 1910-1983.

17-05-2007, 08:36	#10
Desmo The Last Airbender Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pigmopad Posts: 11,915	Because those in power didn't want him to go? What better way to get this than create a media frenzy on him going and then say he can't because it puts others in too much risk. They could have had a media blackout if they really wanted to. __________________

16-05-2007, 20:34	#3
Zirax Goes up to 11! Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,577	This was entirely caused by the media. There will have been news reports out there saying that the future king of England is coming over. Cue just about everyone trying to have a pop at him. If they really seriously wanted him to go, initiate a media blackout until he gets back, then tell everyone. Don't even let them give the hint that he could be off to Iraq. It would have been far more controlled and less of a risk would have been posed. Still the media love a good story and if he really wanted to go then they have ballsed this up for him.

16-05-2007, 21:26	#6
Zirax Goes up to 11! Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,577	Agreed, but I was making the point that the media out there will be putting it that way. I do agree that its probably a lot worse than what we are hearing.