Hugh warns of problems in Iraq

MP WARNS OF DIFFICULT DAYS AHEAD IN IRAQ

Hugh Robertson who served as Adjutant of a main battle tank regiment during the 1991 Gulf War has congratulated coalition forces on the progress made so far but warned that difficult days lie ahead.

Hugh said: "This is not Gulf War Part II. The 1991 Gulf War had a clear military aim, a UN mandate and overwhelming Arab support. We were also chasing an invader out of someone else's country.

"The current war has none of these advantages. Iraq is a huge country and, as the coalition forces pushes north, they will encounter stiffer military resistance and less compliant civilians.

"By this time, supply lines will be stretched and the troops will be tired. As they push forward towards Baghdad, they will also encounter far more "built-up areas" - which are every soldier's nightmare.

"We have done extraordinarily well so far and I congratulate the troops wholeheartedly. However, the public should be prepared for difficult days ahead."