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.
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Cargo ship captain arrested over North Sea collision is Russian, owner says
The captain of the Solong cargo ship, a Russian national, has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after colliding with the Stena Immaculate oil tanker in the North Sea off the coast of East Yorkshire. The crash, captured on thermal camera footage, resulted in a massive fireball. The rest of the crew on the cargo ship were Russian and Filipino nationals, according to the vessel's owner, Ernst Russ. Full Article
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