The calls are growing louder

General Sir Michael Rose was adjutant general of the British army and commander of the UN protection force in Bosnia. He now calls for the impeachment of Tony Blair over the Iraq invasion:

“Wars are won when the people, government and army work together for a common cause in which they genuinely believe. Whereas the people may be initially uncertain about military intervention, politicians will often be the strongest advocates – blinded by the imperatives of their political views. It will invariably be military commanders who are most cautious about using force – for they understand better than most the consequences of engaging in war.

“Although in a true democracy they must remain subordinate to their political masters, they have a clear responsibility to point out when political strategies are flawed or inadequately resourced. Since they might also have to ask their soldiers to sacrifice their lives, they must be assured that a war is just, legal and the last resort available. Yet three years ago this country was somehow led by the prime minister into war in Iraq where few, if any, of these requirements were met.”

Something is stirring in the body politic across the Western world. Australian Federal Opposition leader Kim Beazley has finally acknowledged the need to withdraw troops from Iraq because they are causing more troubles than they are solving. He avoided many of the key issues, however, but it’s a healthy start.