Independent Media Centre Ireland     http://www.indymedia.ie

Belfast anti-war activists disrupt British Army recruitment

category antrim | anti-war / imperialism | news report author Monday December 10, 2007 20:06author by Ciarán Ó B

A British Army recruitment stall in Belfast city centre was closed down today by anti-war activists who held a picket at the booth.
Protest at the recruitment booth
Protest at the recruitment booth

Perhaps the British Army are in need of more cannon fodder before they support the US if/when it attacks Iran (and they will support the US no matter what). The protestors made the British Army's record of murder and mayhem in Afghanistan and Iraq clear to passers by in Shaftsbury Square and sounded a strong message of "No War on Iran".

During the protest one of the British Army recruiters threaten to shoot the protestors, and then the PSNI were called in to remove the picketers. However they stayed until the end and eventually the recruiters took off with their mobile recruitment booth tucked firmly between their legs.

A peek inside
A peek inside

The shop of horrors is closed
The shop of horrors is closed

No War on Iran banner
No War on Iran banner

The agents of death take off
The agents of death take off

Comments (78 of 78)

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author by Jimbobpublication date Tue Dec 11, 2007 08:30author address author phone

Well done. Exposing the truth, leaves them no place to peddle their lies...

author by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland (and ISN)publication date Tue Dec 11, 2007 09:13author address author phone

Well done on this.

That said, I would expect many people other than anti-war activists to be interested in shutting down a British army recruitment stall. Where have all the anti-imperialists gone?

This stalls should be stomped on wherever they surface.

author by Davepublication date Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:28author address author phone

I don't know about you but removing a fascist dictator from power and giving the people of Iraq democratic elections and a democratic government and fighting Al-Qaida and Taliban Islamic extremists and terrorists in Afghanistan is alright with me.

author by John - IPSCpublication date Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:24author address author phone

Well done to all involved yesterday. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it down due to another commitment, but considering it was an ad hoc protest, it wasa great turnout and an even better result. I totally agree with one of the other posters that these stalls need to be 'stomped' out where ever appear.

In relation to Dave's post - what is there to say about such people and such crass opinion. Whilst his distain for Saddam and the Taliban is clear - his opinion on the civilian deaths, which passed the 1 Million mark is less explicit. Perhaps he could enlighten us as to whther or not this is 'ok with him' in pursuit of Anglo-American imperialist interests in the region.

And Dave, please accept my apologies for not having a more up to date death toll of the innocents, but as a former Guantanamo detainee, Moazzam Begg, said recently - its impossible to know exactly as no-one bothers to count them anymore.

author by Davepublication date Tue Dec 11, 2007 12:26author address author phone

In 2003 order to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime and the Taliban regime it was necessary to invade the country capture urban centres and enter Baghdad itself all the while resisted by Iraqi forces.

When two armies are fighting eachother they are using bullets and explosives. To stop an enemy advance or to force an enemy to retreat involves firing bullets and explosives at the enemy. In urban areas military forces advance by capturing buildings, streets and neighbourhoods in their path and defending them from enemy counterattack. To defend urban areas involves transforming buildings, streets and neighbourhoods into fortresses. To capture urban areas an attacking force must eliminate defenders who are occupying these fortresses. To destroy the enemy force you will need to destroy these fortresses.
Urban areas are populated so civilians inevitably will be killed in the fighting.

Post war from 2003 to the present in both countries the conventional warfare of the initial phase was replaced by insurgency and counter insurgency warfare.

Insurgents use the civilian population as cover to launch hit and run attacks against conventional military forces patrolling occupied territory or to interrupt lines of communication and supply or to launch assassinations or to launch indescriminate attacks against civilians to discourage collaboration with the enemy and make civilian administration as difficult as possible.

To defeat an insurgency, the insurgents and their infrastructure need to be destroyed by the occupying force. Insurgents in urban guerilla war use built up areas and civilians as cover. Firefights between counter-insurgency forces and insurgency forces necessarily occur in built up areas and civilians will inevitably be killed.

The combat in Iraq and Afghanistan is intense and Iraq and Afghan civilians inevitably get killed just as civilians were inevitably killed during fighting between Allied and Axis armies in urban areas of Europe and Asia during WW2.

The Iraqi and Afghan insurgents are fighting two offensives - one against the occupying forces and a second against the civilian populations who they are intentionally targeting with suicide bombs and massacres in order to terrorise them into accept the establishment of an Islamic Sharia Theocracy.

American and British troops are fighting a single offensive - they are trying to defeat the insurgency and in firefights have killed civilians unintentionally. The goal of the American and British troops is to prevent the terrorists from taking control of both countries and to protect the democratic governments of Iraq and Afghanistan which were established by the popular vote - both elections were legitimised by impartial UN observers.

author by Seán Ryanpublication date Tue Dec 11, 2007 12:48author address author phone

Dave's argument about civillian casualties does not wash.

Firstly the insurgents are being painted as the bad guys. Insurgents are a natural outcome to invasion. One would be surprised to see Dave's argument used if the shoe were on the other foot, and it had been the US that had been invaded. The bad guys are those the civillian population regard as the bad guys and they aint the insurgents.

It seems that Dave's argument only considers the insurgents to be responsible for deaths. The surge proves otherwise, despite its intentions. Well maybe not the surge itself, the propaganda surrounding it. Violence is decreasing to a degree, not because of the surge, but because of ethnic cleansing. Close to 5 million civillians have been displaced. If the violence were mostly aimed at alleged collaborators as Dave alleges, it would have decreased long ago, as the ethnic cleansing peaked. It's a safe bet to say that most areas where violence still reigns, is not due to insurgents killing those they accuse of collaboration. The violence is mostly due to the fact that the US are quite prepared to fight in an urban war and that they couldn't give a toss for civillian casualties. And it's due to the fact that the US have initiated a secterian civil war - and still they preach a sermon of victimhood where unbelievably they expect us to view them as the victims.

Look at the statistics of warfare over the last hudred years. Somewhere between 1% and 10% of casualties were civillian casualties during WWI despite the low sophistication of weaponry. Yet now, despite smart bombs etc. the casualty rate is somewhere between 95% to 98% civillian casualties.

Fair play to these good folks for putting a stop to the latest scoop of human cannon fodder on these isles.

author by Bubbapublication date Wed Dec 12, 2007 06:31author address author phone

http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2007/10/91673.html

author by Mary Kellypublication date Wed Dec 12, 2007 08:02author address author phone

to all involved for stomping out this recruitment outfit. Good citizens in action and a great example for us all. Thanks for caring.

author by soldier Xpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 17:07author address author phone

Instead of setting up silly war protests and harrassing brave soldiers who go to Iraq and Afghanistan why dont these people go out and get jobs instead of sponging off the state because dont forget its me and all the other brave soldiers who go to these places who pay our taxes so you can get your dole every fortnight, or heres a better idea- why dont you have a bit of pride and guts and put a uniform on and go to Iraq and Afghanistan and help bring about security to poor people who have to live there

Related Link: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85440
author by jamespublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 17:23author address author phone

i think its a disgrace them men and women are only trying to help sort out them places why dont you try putting on there uniform for a day or maybe thats the problem your scared

author by kintamapublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 19:18author address author phone

To refuse to drop the protest in the face of threats and the threat of arrest takes as much bravery as going heavily armed and armoured into battle against poorly armed citizens of Afghanistan.

The problem for the self proclaimed 'braveheart' X is that millions of people believe that going into battle with such overwhelming superiority is an act of cowardice.

An act of bravery would for example be to vacate the green zone in Baghdad and refuse to attack Iraqi citizens using total air superiority. What about it X do the decent thing.

author by Scepticpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 20:24author address author phone

“GOING HEAVILY ARMED AND ARMOURED INTO BATTLE AGAINST POORLY ARMED CITIZENS OF AFGHANISTAN.”

Hold on. The Taliban are an undemocratic, narcotic financed, Islamist insurgency, not citizens, and they are not poorly armed. They had a shocking and revolting human rights record when they held sway in Kabul not to mention their hosting of terrorists and their overall incompetence in feeding the people. It is them that are attacking a Government established by popular mandate, using vicious tactics. The Afghan and coalition forces have to bring to fight to them occasionally.

author by CrypticOrchidpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 21:18author address author phone

Handheld RPG's and AK47's
vs
Apache / F16 / clusterbombs / JDAMM / bradley / depleted uranium shells & bullets

Which side would you prefer to be on septic?

I am no fan of the taliban and the kind of regime they hope to impose on the afghan people. However they are definitely underdogs in the hardware dept. They certainly do make up for that in determination bravery and cunning though. I guess you have to admire them for that. And they have given coalition forces a nasty black eye. Some would say deservedly so. Personally I was a little less than impressed by the "reconstruction program" after they were "bombed back into the stone age"

Have you watched Rambo III septic? I suggest you do. You'd enjoy it. I know you would!!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=350682167075966...dex=1

author by Soldier Xpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 21:18author address author phone

I spent 2 months in the green zone in Baghdad Kintama and let me tell you this - the only civilians that were killed and injured where from insurgent motars coming in trying to kill us so unless you have been there dont try and lecture me about the situation in Iraq, what about the daily suicide bomds that kills dozens of people every day are you condoning that like all the rest of these arm-chair politicians?

Related Link: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85440
author by kintamapublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 21:44author address author phone

I think you neatly make my point X .Hiding in the green zone and letting civilians bear the brunt of attacks is hardly an act of bravery. I think the US forces have managed to lay waste to quite a few civilians also Indeed in the early days in Baghdad they seemed to have interrupted quite a few weddings by blowing the shit out of the guests.

Be brave come out of the green zone and away from the human shields in fact just take yourself off home and do the people of Iraq a favour.

author by Soldier Xpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 21:51author address author phone

If you think we sit and hide all day in the green zone then you are sadly mistakin. For a start most narrow minded people like yourself are under the impression that the 'green zone' is a safe place well I can tell you that its not, its as open as the rest of Baghdad but as I said before you wouldnt know that because you've never been there before and you only see what the news wants you to see.

author by auntiewarpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 21:51author address author phone

FALLUJAH

author by Pete Bpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 22:04author address author phone

Oh right! The bloody Peacekeepers? Like they were here for 30 odd years, keeping the peace by murdering civilians on Bloody Sunday, by colluding with murderous Loyalists in the dark of night, just one example being the British army officer present during the Miami Show band massacre. I'm sure that I could rhyme off countless other examples of British peacekeeping by murder but I won't.
I must add that Republicans were also guilty of heinous crimes against the Protestant community and even though I am a former Republican I could not nor would I ever excuse them.
The history of the British army is soaked in blood and their bloody hands have touched every corner of the world.

author by Scepticpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 22:09author address author phone

Your views are bizarre. Since when is it a requirement that a State facing an lethal insurgency disarm itself to the level of the insurgents? How do western forces fight suicide bombers then for one thing? This is not a game. It is a deadly insurgency that has to be put down but within the rules of war obviously. And I have no interest in Rambo or anything like that. The situation in Afghanistan is deadly serious – it has nothing to do with entertainment nor should it have anything to do with the type of indulgent gesture politics directed against lawful armed forces recruitment instanced here.

Auntiwar: A one-word reply to your one word of FALLUJAH. SUCCESS. The place was cleared of the bad guys – the Islamists and their limb hacking and beheading practices are gone; the AQ torture and death rooms are mercifully empty and there is a large measure of decency in the place again where ordinary folk can get on with their lives. I presume this is the point you were making.

author by soldier xpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 22:14author address author phone

Thanks for talking some sense sceptic, so here here endith the lesson!

author by Pete Bpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 22:20author address author phone

They said that about Vietnam Septic even when they were fighting to get on the helicopters. They cannot defeat a people who are not afraid to die.

author by auntiewarpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 23:02author address author phone

"so here haditha the lesson"

author by CrypticOrchidpublication date Wed Jan 09, 2008 23:28author address author phone

septic said:
"Hold on. The Taliban are an undemocratic, narcotic financed, Islamist insurgency, not citizens, and they are not poorly armed."

then he said:
"Since when is it a requirement that a State facing an lethal insurgency disarm itself to the level of the insurgents?"

ehm........? which is it?

but this was worse by far:
"A one-word reply to your one word of FALLUJAH. SUCCESS. The place was cleared of the bad guys – the Islamists and their limb hacking and beheading practices are gone; the AQ torture and death rooms are mercifully empty and there is a large measure of decency in the place again where ordinary folk can get on with their lives

septic I have found your right wing neo-colon posts just mildly annoying and perhaps in a way useful for the site up to this point, but after this I have no longer any tolerance for you. Most folk on this site are aware of the disgusting war crime that was fallujah. Most of the insurgents had left before fallujah was attacked. I've seen some horrible footage and there is plenty of info about what happened on the web. (however I'm sure it wasn't on fox, if that's why you missed it!) Also any calming that has happened in Iraq recently is widely believed to be due to deals being done with local chiefs.

You are nothing but a Disgusting war crime apologist

author by jamespublication date Thu Jan 10, 2008 15:47author address author phone

well done soldier x i think its really brave that you and the rest of the men and women can go out to them places and look after people you dont even no all them anti war protesters need to understand that the army is out to fight forgien fighters and give the next generation something to live for you anti war protesters 90% of you can claim dole which is british money bet you dont complain when your getting that so why rundown the brave men and women who aren't as narrowminded

author by soldier xpublication date Thu Jan 10, 2008 16:31author address author phone

Why dont you tell the cowardly insurgents to come out on the streets and fight and stop hiding behind the innocent people of Iraq and Afghanistan then there would be no innocent people killed and there would be no need for prisons because they would be all wiped off the face of the earth

author by crookstownpublication date Thu Jan 10, 2008 19:32author address author phone

The British Army is not half as good as its cracked up to be.

In World War II Rommel whipped the pants off the British Army at the Battle of Gazala

Recently the British Army failed in Basra, much to the disgust of American military officials .

Related Link: http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/721/37406
author by soldier xpublication date Thu Jan 10, 2008 22:12author address author phone

Why do people thinkk that the british army failed in Basra?

The Iraqi security forces now feel confident enough to take control of Basra so they handed power over to them and then slowly bring our brave troops home, isnt that what all you tree huggers wanted?

author by crookstownpublication date Thu Jan 10, 2008 22:55author address author phone

It's the Americans who think that the British Army failed in Basra, the views of "tree huggers" don't come into it.

I refer you back to the link in my previous post

author by kintamapublication date Thu Jan 10, 2008 23:40author address author phone

Why dont the good ol boys stop hiding in the green zone using Iraqi civilians as human shields and fight
using the the same weaponry available to local forces. You take a bit of a hit from the Iraqis and the next thing you are dropping 40,000 tonnes of bombs close to civilian areas in Baghdad.

If civilians end up dead at the hands of your 'brave' airforce who dropped 40,000 tonnes of ordnance today does that reduce you to the level of common murderers or is it a case of collateral damage?

author by Counterpunchpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 06:44author address author phone

http://www.counterpunch.org/dickinson01082008.html

Related Link: http://www.counterpunch.org/dickinson01082008.html
author by soldier xpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 14:36author address author phone

Kintama what kind of druds are you taking? you must be with a comment like you just said- use the same weapons as insurgents and stop hiding in the green zone!

If you know anything about warfare you would know that hiding behind civilians is part of a terrorists tactics just like the IRA and UVF/UFF did here for 30 years.
The British army or American army dont need to hide behind anyone.

If Al Queda started to bomb Belfast and Dublin which could very well happen would you still support these scumbags who let us not forget recruits and grooms young children to become so-called martyred suicide bombers?

author by ,publication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 14:59author address author phone

Just like the soliders handing out sweets as they patroled through West Belfast.

author by Soldier Xpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 15:49author address author phone

Theres a difference between handing out sweets and handing out suicide vests!

author by auntiewarpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 16:37author address author phone

I think the point of handing out sweets was manifold and sinister.

here's a few:
(1)children equate nice things with big soldier men (might even join up later on!)
(2)they come around when they see the soldiers to get sweeties and hence provide a human shield
(3)"where do the sinister men live?" "have you seen johnny x lately little boy?" "thanks, here's a sweetie"
(4)nice photo ops / PR

author by Soldier Xpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 16:46author address author phone

Of course it was a PR thing, it is trying to get the public onside and build a rapour with them.

Lets not forget that it was the IRA and Loyalist terrorists who where the bad guys and if handing out sweets or being friendly to the public managed to get information that led to saving someones life wasnt that worth it?

If you disagree with this then you are no better than the people out planting bombs and shooting people themselves.

author by Pete Bpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 18:14author address author phone

The IRA and the Loyalists were the bad guys says it all about Soldier X. He's obviously a thick squaddy who spends his time, between terrorizing women and kids, watching war movies or reading Action man comics. His whole view of the world is obviously based on movies such as Rambo.
Soldier X can't get a proper job so he gets employment with the only employer willing to take on someone who can't think for themselves and thats the British Army recruiting officer.
Soldier X can kill as many civilians as he wants, call them terrorists and even get himself blown up or shot by 'The Bad Guys, while the American Government steals all the oil.
That is thick.

author by kintamapublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 19:25author address author phone

X claims that neither the US or British Army need to hide behind anyone! That may be so but why then do the US Army hide in the green zone instead of putting bases out in the desert away from human shields.

The base on top of Divis Tower and almost every other base in Belfast and elsewhere in close proximity to civilian property would suggest that if they did'nt have to hide then they deliberately located beside human shields.

No answer to the 40,000 tonnes of bombs beside civilian areas must be OK then.

author by ,publication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 20:12author address author phone

Behave your self.

The camera's were not following you around all the time. There is not many places where you bastards went where you you were seen as the good guys. Its not WW2 we are talking about here.

Oh and another thing- it possible that some here were the guys who planted the bombs and shot your comrades.

author by soldier xpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 20:28author address author phone

pete b i take your 1 of these people that I help to pay your wage through the tax I pay, your right when you say that im not the smartest, thick you said, well think about this way- am i that thick that i got myself out of this shitty country, saw most of the world and get paid more in a week than you probably do in a month and not to mention when i leave this fine army i'll step into another good paying job with all the courses and qualifactions that i've gathered up over the years, now who's the thick one pete???

author by kintamapublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 21:05author address author phone

You may wish to take a literacy course X or else dont take a job that requires proper spelling when you decide to stop killing people in countries you have invaded.

author by Pete Bpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 21:30author address author phone

Er, it's still you, Soldier X old chap. Your reply had all the rambling sense of a 12 year old kid. You seem to think that all Paddys are unemployed and living of your tax.
Even a 12 year old isn't that stupid.
The British Army pays you more in a week than I get in a month.
The I get more pocket money than you, mentality of a 12 year old.
How do you know what I get? Are all those courses and qualifications frying your brains?
The best of all, I saw most of the world......and they hated you because you were a thick squaddie sent out by the British Government to serve the Yanks and another thick clown called BUSH.
That's still thick.

author by Pete Bpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 21:33author address author phone

The above should read, NOW WHO'S THE THICK ONE?
oops!

author by soldier xpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 22:14author address author phone

Pete have you not caught on that im from here, better than that im from donegal so why would I look on you as a paddy, your image of the British army is is well outdated old boy and I wish you and everyone else that seems to write comments would join me in 21st century.

author by soldier xpublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 23:01author address author phone

you should try and see a bit of the world it might broaden your mind and stop you being so narrow minded. How many people do think the british army kill every day, wise up.

author by kintamapublication date Fri Jan 11, 2008 23:50author address author phone

X I have seen a fair bit of the world but always as a respectful visitor. You on the other hand invade other peoples countries kill their civilians , drive around undercover shooting legitimate peacekeepers and no doubt like the rest of your invading mates treat the locals with contempt.

It seems quite clear you will continue to hide out in the green zone only venturing out to drop some bombs on the local populace. With 'brave ' men like you protecting the downtrodden natives it can surely only be a matter of time before Iraqis get functioning water, sewerage and electricity services, a functioning state apparatus to provide proper education services etc. The Iraqis, of whom at least 150,000 have met their maker since you decided to take over their country and oil reserves,must look wistfully back to the days of Saddam Hussein who managed to provide a functioning state while at the same time being much less careless with the lives of his civilians.

In years to come when Iraqis say ; 'what did the US/Britain ever do for us' it will be a case of they came, they stole, they killed. Your parents must really be proud of their warmongering son you are a real credit to Donegal .

author by soldier xpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 12:54author address author phone

Let me ask you a question Kintama- have you ever been to Iraq?

By the sound of things you have because you seem to know everything about it-NOT.

For a start the British and American army have done more for the people there than saddam did in all his reign.

When I was there in Basra and Baghdad we helped schools and families daily and every time we stopped we gave hungry kids all of our water and rations but you wouldnt know that because the news doesnt show that does it.

When saddam was in power the people of basra suffered because they are shia's and had no running water or electric but now they do because we made sure it happened.

Every time we stopped off on the roadside people would cheer and clap and thanks us for saving them.

All your comments could'nt be further from the truth because what i've just said IS the truth, and do you know why you woul'nt know that? BECAUSE YOU HAVENT BEEN THERE

author by Pete Bpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 15:28author address author phone

We don't need to go to Iraq to know about the British Army and their brutality, we've seen enough of it for 30 years. As I've already stated if British Soldiers weren't shooting civilians in the street they were colluding with Loyalist killers, or in the case of Robin Jackson The Jackal, Mass Murderers [ he was thought to have been involved in 100 murders, including the Miami Show band ]. Many times the Army and RUC cleared the way for them.
The British Army also assisted in the Dublin / Monaghan Bombings and this is a known fact. Therefore your beloved Army has been involved in the murder of your fellow countrymen and you are proud to serve with them. The word 'Treachery' springs to mind.
SO DON'T TELL US THAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT IRAQ, THE BRITISH ARMY HAS BEEN HERE AND WE'VE SEEN ENOUGH OF THEIR MURDEROUS WAYS.

author by soldier xpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 16:06author address author phone

What your talking about that happened here is at government level and had nothing to do with the soldier on the ground doing the real work.

You never seem to think or mention about the IRA's dirty tactics like to mention just a few- Omagh,Shankill fish shop and all the people killed in the 70's (children,mothers,fathers and grandparents) who's bodys they are still trying to find today how do you explain that kintama?

author by soldier xpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 16:10author address author phone

My apolagies Kintama.

author by Pete Bpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 16:36author address author phone

Soldier X if you take time to scroll back to my first thread on this topic, you'll find that I've stated that although I am a former Republican I recognize that Republicans are guilty of HEINOUS CRIMES AGAINST THE PROTESTANT PEOPLE. We can't deny this and many of us wouldn't even try.
As for what happened here being at Government level, I agree but many Soldiers like those in the Parachute Regiment, the SAS and individuals like Niarac murdered innocent people.

Everything you do in Iraq is on behalf of a Government, X and not your own Government but a Government that acts like a school yard bully. That Government is of course the American Government and your Government like all the lackeys of School yard bullies must go along with them or face their disfavor.
Therefore X, you are in Iraq because British Politicians haven't the balls to tell Bush and Company to Fuck Off!

author by soldier xpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 18:28author address author phone

Not every soldier agree's with what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan but at the end of the day its our job and we have to go and do what we are told to do, just like you did when you where a member of what ever paramilitary organisation you belonged to pete b.

Before I joined the British army I served in the Irish Army and found that people like youself disagreed with our deployment to Beruit, I guess there is no pleasing everyone!

All I would ask of you is try and understand it from our point that it is our job to go to these places and if you have a problem with it take it up with politicians and leave the army alone to do the job, instead of harassing recruitment open days walk on past them.

author by Scepticpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 19:03author address author phone

“THE BRITISH ARMY ALSO ASSISTED IN THE DUBLIN / MONAGHAN BOMBINGS AND THIS IS A KNOWN FACT.”
This is not a known fact – it is a speculation but is constantly repeated by some republicans presumably as some kind of ex post facto justification of their own campaign which saw numerous similar bombings by them in the north and in Britain as well as various lethal explosions in the Republic over the period of the troubles most now forgotten.

“..AND INDIVIDUALS LIKE NIARAC MURDERED INNOCENT PEOPLE. “
This is weasel words. What does it mean “individuals like Niarac”? What innocent people? There is no evidence that Niarac murdered anyone. Its not good enough for some that the man was abducted, falsely imprisoned, tortured, killed and his body disappeared. He has to defamed in the worst possible way as well.

Related Link: http://archives.tcm.ie/laoisnationalist/2006/05/25/story22986.asp
author by Pete Bpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 20:15author address author phone

The surviving members of the Miami Show band Massacre, have repeatedly testified that a British Army officer arrived in a car and immediately took command during the time two serving members of the UDR were placing a bomb in the van. This has been backed up by a former Intelligence officer, Captain Fred Holroyd who said that the officer was Niarac.
The Miami Show band was made up of both Catholic and Protestants one of whom was murdered by the UDR terrorists after the explosion. Three other members of the UDR were later convicted of the murders. Now the UDR was a regiment in the British Army and that means at least 5 members of a British Army regiment were involved plus an British Officer who spoke with an upper class English accent.
That the band was made up from both communities was seen as unacceptable enough for murder and the purpose of planting a bomb in the van was to put the blame the IRA.
Read the Miami Show band Massacre by Steven Travers a survivor who by no means was a Republican.
As for the Abduction of Niarac. Why was he in a Republican bar in South Armagh, armed and in plain clothes when he was captured and without backup?

author by soldier xpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 20:51author address author phone

It is a well known fact that Capt Niarec was operating way outside his means and had gone rogue, that is why he was in a repulican bar armed and without backup.

There are many theories about him, one is that he was actually set up by the government.

It was widely thought that he was part of a SAS team, he wasnt, he was colestream guards and nothin else, going back to the theories thats all they are and without concrete evidence whats the point in speculating.

author by Pete Bpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 20:55author address author phone

As I said I WAS a Republican in the past and only now I realize that violence achieves nothing and is totally unacceptable. In the end the Politicians will take over and soon those who died will be forgotten.
I realize that you are merely a pawn in the bigger picture and I in reality have nothing against you personally, therefore I would apologize for my unacceptable choice of words earlier.
But X you must accept that you are Cannon Fodder in a war brought about by people who care little for the squaddies or civilians who die so that they can become wealthy on the National Resources of other countries. Don't forget that war is big business and worth billions to those who supply the weapons.
You are in Iraq because of a lie that has never been substantiated and not to protect the Iraqi people against a man long dead who was put in power by the British Government.
Someday X you might come to see this and I hope that you survive to do so.

author by Pete Bpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 21:14author address author phone

Actually X Niarac was a member of FRU, an Intelligence unit of the British army involved in Dirty tricks, Niarac operated out of Bessbrook Mill an Army Camp in Armagh and he controlled the Glenanne Gang which was made up of members of the British Army, the RUC and Loyalists like Robin Jackson probably the biggest serial killer in the history of these islands if not the world.
Type The Glenanne Gang into your tool bar and learn more.

author by soldier xpublication date Sat Jan 12, 2008 21:40author address author phone

Everybody knows we invaded Iraq for their resources, but no-one can deny how much the shia and kurdish people suffered under saddam just because they didnt agree with him or were not born a sunni.

Afghanistan is a different kettle of fish, the Taliban murder, rape and pilage innocent people and is a breading ground for terrorists.

Pete some people like plumbig, others like working in a factory, peope like me like the job and life as a soldier, we go to different countries without any political views around the world to fight and bring stability to those countries.

author by Ex 14 Int - Defence of the Realmpublication date Tue Jan 15, 2008 15:59author address author phone

Pete B, Bob Nairac served in 14 Int and 4 field troop Royal engineers, the FRU was not formed until after Brighton.

author by ex 14 Int - Defence of the realmpublication date Tue Jan 15, 2008 16:11author address author phone

soldier x, Bob Nairac was under the command of Julian Ball an SAS counter revolutionary warfare officer who commanded 14 Int, Nairac was in that pub to meet republican contacts as he had in the past, the reality is he was playing both sides.

The Miami showband fiasco was designed to destabalise talks between the PIRA and labour govt, many believed were infiltrated with KGB agents.

author by soldier xpublication date Tue Jan 15, 2008 17:15author address author phone

Is it not true that he was way in out of his depth which led to him being kidnapped and killed?

author by Ex 14 Int - Defence of the Realmpublication date Tue Jan 15, 2008 18:15author address author phone

Soldier X, BN had much experience in dealing with elements and factions in South Armagh PIRA, at the time the security services were concerned with the growth of the UVF's political wing.

BN was able to give them the details of those considered a political liability.

Some believe BN was a loose canon who was set up, after his murder the SA leadership were none to pleased.....politics is a dirty game.

author by give peace a chancepublication date Sat Mar 01, 2008 17:44author address author phone

A very disturbing video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh3jwKU02PE&feature=related

author by British Army beaten in Basra HAHA!publication date Sat Mar 01, 2008 20:35author address author phone

Looks like the SWSS were on top of this along with some other anti-war activists.

Good work i say!

If at least 1 young man who had failed his GCSE's wasn't recruited by this Army stall, to be brainwashed, shouted at, bullied and brutalised into commiting crimes on innocent Iraqis and possibly killed, it was well worth it.

Good work SWSS and others

Shame on British Army

Leave the kids alone!

author by Ha hapublication date Mon Mar 03, 2008 21:12author address author phone

I heard the "Brave" British Army went crying to the police to try and move the protesters on.

Thats so pathetic, no wonder the Iraqi and Afghan resistance is making short work of them, despite British and American technological superiority.

author by republicanpublication date Tue Mar 04, 2008 00:05author address author phone

To right up the Afghan resistance.

author by Scepticpublication date Wed Mar 05, 2008 14:53author address author phone

It is the job of the police to move people on not the army. The two professions and disciplines are different. Had the army been executing a policing role you would have been complaining about that too. Moreover the record of the UK forces is quite good. They have not suffered a significant defeat since Dunkirk. They are also well respected internationally for both prowess and discipline.

author by Arisepublication date Sun Mar 09, 2008 19:14author address author phone

Actually the protest was sparked by a member of the public alerting an eirigi member about the recruitment stall. Eirigi called the protest and other anti-war protesters including some from the SWSS joined in.

Well done to all.

author by Socialistpublication date Sat Apr 19, 2008 00:35author address author phone

Why would any parent allow their children to be exposed to this ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oifDFOzoiPQ&feature=related

author by mourneman - 32CSMpublication date Sun Apr 20, 2008 17:51author address author phone

If the protest was organised by Eirigi would it not also have been apt to mention the British army garrission in the north and the illegal oocupation of six counties of the Irish Nation?

author by Wilder - Nonepublication date Sun Apr 20, 2008 19:10author address author phone

Mourneman, heres what Eirigi had to say at the time

"éirígí spokesperson Daithí Mac an Mháistír commended the quick thinking of the activists involved and expressed concern at the threats conveyed by the British soldiers.

“If even one less person was recruited to the British war machine as a result of today’s protest and the sound activism of those involved, then one less hired gun will be on the streets of Iraq, Afghanistan, Ireland or any of the other nations in which that war machine imposes itself.

“The death threats that were made against a number of the protestors by the British soldiers present are a reminder of the sinister role Britain’s forces continue to play in Irish affairs. Given the history of British direction of the activities of the unionist death squads, I would advise all activists who are publicly challenging the British presence in Ireland to remain vigilant and conscious of their personal security.

“Regardless of the spin emanating from the local establishment and the British government, there remains at least 5,000 armed British soldiers and 9,000 armed RUC–PSNI officers within the Six Counties who, as yesterday’s events have shown, operate in harmony to protect British state interests.

“Yesterday, they were interested in recruiting Irish citizens for murder in the Middle East. Tomorrow, they may be interested in breaking strikes or forcing through sectarian marches. The role of the British state in Ireland evidently remains unchanged.

Daithí concluded:

“éirígí are encouraging Irish citizens to begin the debate afresh about the role of the British state in Ireland and the essential task of ending the occupation and achieving national sovereignty.

“We ask that people support in whatever way they can the éirígí campaign for a British withdrawal, as well as opposing any stunts by the British war machine in our cities and towns.

“The action of 20 activists yesterday forced a British army recruitment post to shut down. This was a small victory, but it shows that the actions of concerned citizens can make a difference. The key is to build a concerned nation which will challenge the British imperialist presence and put an end to its malign activities for good"

http://eirigi.org/latest/latest111207.html

Related Link: http://eirigi.org/latest/latest111207.html
author by mourneman - 32CSMpublication date Mon Apr 21, 2008 17:35author address author phone

An eirigi spokesperson stated this after the protest, it would, in my opinion, have been better to protest about it rather than link it in when the protest is over.

author by Wilderpublication date Mon Apr 21, 2008 19:06author address author phone

Are you saying they didnt?

Did any of your members take part or protest?

author by mourneman - 32CSMpublication date Mon Apr 21, 2008 20:53author address author phone

A friend of mine took part in the protest, not a member of eirigi and it was him that told me about it. He brought my attention to the fact that the protest didn't highlight the British occupation of Ireland. Perhaps he's lying to me however a picture of a banner, placard or poster to this effect would end this.

author by Wilderpublication date Mon Apr 21, 2008 21:00author address author phone

Did your friend highlight the british occupation?

Does the eirigi statement not satisfy you?

author by mourneman - 32CSMpublication date Mon Apr 21, 2008 21:19author address author phone

The statement makes all the right noises but my point is that the ongoing occupation of Ireland ought to have been given at least as high a profile as that of Iraq during the actual protest.
I am heartened by the following

“éirígí are encouraging Irish citizens to begin the debate afresh about the role of the British state in Ireland and the essential task of ending the occupation and achieving national sovereignty

And look forward to eirigi debating with and working with other anti GFA republicans.

author by ?publication date Mon Apr 21, 2008 21:35author address author phone

i was told by an eirigi member that they are not anti gfa or 'else we would've left long before' it was stated that they do not question psf's republicanism as only 'rsf belive in that old school republicanism' and that it was the lack of socialist direction not differences in republicanism that they were concerned with.

author by sum1whocarespublication date Fri Oct 23, 2009 14:07author address author phone

I find it hard to believe how many people are talking about things that they seem to know so much about, but dont. How many of you self proclaimed soldier haters have been there and done there very hard job??? It is all very well sitting at home and spending your time coming up with your self serving comments safe and sound in your own homes. Its a pity the poor guys and girls you are hurling your abuse at cant comment back, is it because they are infact doing a great job for no thanks, with insufficient equipment, fighting against not only the Taliban insurgents and AQ but also ignorant people like the ones i have seen posting on here. I say give them all more pay and more respect. And if you have a problem with them being there, dont single the soldiers out for the disguting abuse you seem to be so happy giving out, but put it in a more respectable form and complain to the government.

author by pat cpublication date Sun Oct 25, 2009 16:27author address author phone

Not all soldiers agree with thw war. Full text at link.

Soldier 'proud' of anti-war march

The wife of a York soldier who refused to return to Afghanistan says her husband is proud to be leading an anti-war protest due to be held in London.

L/Cpl Joe Glenton, of the Royal Logistic Corps, is fighting a court martial for desertion after going absent without leave in 2007.

The 27-year-old is expected to lead thousands of protesters in a march through central London on Saturday.

His wife Claire said: "He's very excited and proud of what he's doing."

Having joined the Army in 2004, L/Cpl Glenton went Awol in 2007 before handing himself in after two years and six days.

Related Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/8322676.stm

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85440

Indymedia Ireland is a media collective. We are independent volunteer citizen journalists producing and distributing the authentic voices of the people. Indymedia Ireland is an open news project where anyone can post their own news, comment, videos or photos about Ireland or related matters.