British Forces in Iraq Morale Low: "Soldiers Mood is Gloomy"
Military Cross Hero Abandons Military Rather Than Return to Fighting
Suicide of military police investigator seen as part of "melt down."

Members of the Princess of Wales Regiment In Happier Times
Military Cross Recipient Troy Samuels (Jamaica) is second from right

Former cabinet minister Clare Short has stated that "the Government is putting the armed forces in a impossible position. It is obviously affecting morale." Short, who resigned over the war, also said "the time has come to get a negotiated timetable for an end to the occupation." British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has commented that the increasing volatile conflict may take up to 10 more years before a full pull out can be achieved. British soldiers are serving six-month tours and many are not re-upping. Seventy soldiers from the Princess of Wales regiment have decided to bag the army rather than go back to Iraq. One unnamed NCO told the UK newspaper independent "Mr. Blair keeps on saying that everything is getting better here (Iraq). Perhaps he would care to come and see for himself."...Chet