A newly released UK government file reveals that senior US official Richard Armitage warned that George W Bush believed he was on a “mission from God” to crush Iraqi insurgents, leading to a demand for US forces to “kick ass” in the face of rising resistance. Armitage dismissed claims by the US commander in Iraq about quickly putting down a major uprising in Fallujah as “bullshit” and urged Tony Blair to influence Bush towards a wider political process for restoring order. Despite Bush’s “mission accomplished” declaration in 2003, violent insurgency quickly took hold in Iraq, leading to bloody battles such as Operation Vigilant Resolve in Fallujah to regain control.
Full Article
North Sea collision latest: Oil tanker blaze is finally extinguished – but Solong cargo ship remains on fire
The fire on the oil tanker involved in the crash in the North Sea has been extinguished, with no visible signs of smoke or flame reported by Crowley, the maritime company managing the Stena Immaculate. However, the Solong cargo ship, owned by Ernst Russ, remains alight and continues to emit smoke with occasional reports of flames. The captain of the Solong, a Russian national, has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection...
Read more