British Army Leaves Crossmaglen

[daftandbarmy]

Wow, never thought I'd live to see the day. Proof that a successful COIN campaign requires both miltary and political solution.s

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6512703.stm

 

[tomahawk6]

And it only took 30 years.

 

[AmmoTech90]

Unfortunately the political process still has an underlying current of violence whenever Westminster has any input-
http://www.buffalonews.com/180/story/39547.html
When Westminster tried to enforce the deadline the petrol bombs came out.
Could this be a token move to, a sort of pat on the head because a Sinn Fien and DUP sat down together?

D

 

[daftandbarmy]

Probably. It's likely all part of the old 'give and take' approach. I'm betting that they haven't demolished the army's accommodation blocks and Ops Room setup, or removed the helipad in the PSNI compound. If the IRA decided to change their minds, you could fly a rifle company back in there within a day.

Yeah, the first unit went in there in 1969. 38 years ago. And South Armagh is only a short trip from mainland UK. You can start from London in the morning and drive there via ferry by dinner. Doesn't bode well for a short term resolution in Iraq or Afghanistan.