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Five Bloody Years in Basra Five Bloody Years in Basra
(about 4 hours later)
Jane Corbin BBC Panorama reporterJane Corbin BBC Panorama reporter
Six years ago, British troops began streaming across the Kuwaiti border into Iraq as the invasion aimed at toppling Saddam Hussein's regime began.Jane Corbin spent five years reporting on events in BasraSix years ago, British troops began streaming across the Kuwaiti border into Iraq as the invasion aimed at toppling Saddam Hussein's regime began.Jane Corbin spent five years reporting on events in Basra
A deal hammered out between US President George W Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and their military chiefs gave UK forces responsibility for winning and occupying the predominantly Shia south and Iraq's second city, Basra.A deal hammered out between US President George W Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and their military chiefs gave UK forces responsibility for winning and occupying the predominantly Shia south and Iraq's second city, Basra.
Baghdad, along with central and northern Iraq, came under US control.Baghdad, along with central and northern Iraq, came under US control.
I entered Basra, the fabled trading city of Sinbad the sailor, with the British Army in early April and at first it seemed as if the British had got the best deal.I entered Basra, the fabled trading city of Sinbad the sailor, with the British Army in early April and at first it seemed as if the British had got the best deal.
A Shia population which had been ruthlessly suppressed by Saddam Hussein and his Sunni henchmen welcomed us with smiles and flowers.A Shia population which had been ruthlessly suppressed by Saddam Hussein and his Sunni henchmen welcomed us with smiles and flowers.
One of the first women I met was squatting with her family in the mansion of Saddam Hussein's cousin, the deposed ruler of the city, the infamous Chemical Ali who had unleashed poison gas on the Kurds.One of the first women I met was squatting with her family in the mansion of Saddam Hussein's cousin, the deposed ruler of the city, the infamous Chemical Ali who had unleashed poison gas on the Kurds.
She wept when she saw us and urged the crowd around us to praise Mr Blair and clap us - which they did to our embarrassment.She wept when she saw us and urged the crowd around us to praise Mr Blair and clap us - which they did to our embarrassment.
Bad omensBad omens
But the magnitude of the task that faced the British was immense.But the magnitude of the task that faced the British was immense.
In April 2003, Panorama's Jane Corbin reported from Basra on the struggle then facing the people of Iraq's second cityIn April 2003, Panorama's Jane Corbin reported from Basra on the struggle then facing the people of Iraq's second city
Apart from the security situation, there was no water or electricity and canals of sewage ran through the streets. The citizens clamoured for clean drinking water - a troop of soldiers we were with in Warrior armoured vehicles were almost overwhelmed by angry people demanding action.Apart from the security situation, there was no water or electricity and canals of sewage ran through the streets. The citizens clamoured for clean drinking water - a troop of soldiers we were with in Warrior armoured vehicles were almost overwhelmed by angry people demanding action.
It was a sign the citizens of Basra would not stay cowed forever.It was a sign the citizens of Basra would not stay cowed forever.
On the surface it seemed quiet - British commanders prided themselves on the ability of their troops to walk around the city wearing soft berets while US troops in full armour were still fighting their way north towards the capital.On the surface it seemed quiet - British commanders prided themselves on the ability of their troops to walk around the city wearing soft berets while US troops in full armour were still fighting their way north towards the capital.
There was goodwill towards the British in those early heady weeks, but there were bad omens too - mistakes and tragedies which the British and their allies were responsible for which caused a backlash.There was goodwill towards the British in those early heady weeks, but there were bad omens too - mistakes and tragedies which the British and their allies were responsible for which caused a backlash.
No blueprintNo blueprint
I found the Hamoodi family in the ruins of their home. It had been hit by a coalition bomb that was supposed to have targeted Chemical Ali, staying overnight next door. He somehow escaped.I found the Hamoodi family in the ruins of their home. It had been hit by a coalition bomb that was supposed to have targeted Chemical Ali, staying overnight next door. He somehow escaped.
Even in the midst of mourning 10 of his relatives, Abid Hassan al Hamoodi, the patriarch of the clan, told he was still glad that the coalition had forced Saddam Hussein out.Even in the midst of mourning 10 of his relatives, Abid Hassan al Hamoodi, the patriarch of the clan, told he was still glad that the coalition had forced Saddam Hussein out.
"The most important thing is democracy and for us to lead a peaceful life," he said as we looked at the family photo album together."The most important thing is democracy and for us to lead a peaceful life," he said as we looked at the family photo album together.
I left Basra feeling that although the battle had been won, there was no blueprint for the post-Saddam era and that spelt big trouble.I left Basra feeling that although the battle had been won, there was no blueprint for the post-Saddam era and that spelt big trouble.
There was a vacuum developing and who knew what malign forces would fill it? I said as much in my TV reports as I drove out of the city.There was a vacuum developing and who knew what malign forces would fill it? I said as much in my TV reports as I drove out of the city.
Unpopular warUnpopular war
British commanders knew very well there had been virtually no planning and this was an unpopular war back home where the legality of the invasion was being hotly debated.British commanders knew very well there had been virtually no planning and this was an unpopular war back home where the legality of the invasion was being hotly debated.
"We have to transition from a brutal regime to a democracy," Brigadier Graham Binns of the 7th Armoured Brigade told me, "and that transition will be difficult and we're beginning to see different groupings vying for that power"."We have to transition from a brutal regime to a democracy," Brigadier Graham Binns of the 7th Armoured Brigade told me, "and that transition will be difficult and we're beginning to see different groupings vying for that power".
Within months the first powerful home-grown militias had emerged out of the chaos in the country.Within months the first powerful home-grown militias had emerged out of the chaos in the country.
In the south the Mehdi Army, led by a ruthless young cleric, Moqtada Sadr, flaunted their Shia credentials but also positioned themselves as Iraqi nationalists. They had strong support in the poverty stricken Shia flats - the slums of Basra.In the south the Mehdi Army, led by a ruthless young cleric, Moqtada Sadr, flaunted their Shia credentials but also positioned themselves as Iraqi nationalists. They had strong support in the poverty stricken Shia flats - the slums of Basra.
They challenged US forces in an uprising in Najaf, followed by a truce. But they would become not only a political challenge in the years ahead but a security nightmare for the British.They challenged US forces in an uprising in Najaf, followed by a truce. But they would become not only a political challenge in the years ahead but a security nightmare for the British.
The Americans privately grumbled that UK forces had refused to put down this militia and its leader in their southern strongholds right at the start and predicted this would strengthen them.The Americans privately grumbled that UK forces had refused to put down this militia and its leader in their southern strongholds right at the start and predicted this would strengthen them.
The British government argued that the Iraqi people had to choose their own leaders, however unsavoury they might be to Western tastes.The British government argued that the Iraqi people had to choose their own leaders, however unsavoury they might be to Western tastes.
Three years on and the malign influence of the militias had led to increasing deaths amongst British forces and increased instability in the southern provinces.Three years on and the malign influence of the militias had led to increasing deaths amongst British forces and increased instability in the southern provinces.
I came back to make another programme Bringing our Boys Home? which explored a possible exit strategy from Iraq.I came back to make another programme Bringing our Boys Home? which explored a possible exit strategy from Iraq.
Competing militiasCompeting militias
I arrived by RAF transport plane - "hot dropping" into Al Amarah, a wild tribal area on the border with Iran. As we touched down British tanks came roaring out to meet us and we ran from the back of the plane to the shelter of the heavy armour.I arrived by RAF transport plane - "hot dropping" into Al Amarah, a wild tribal area on the border with Iran. As we touched down British tanks came roaring out to meet us and we ran from the back of the plane to the shelter of the heavy armour.
Panorama spent 10 days in Basra in March 2006 as the country teetered on the brink of civil warPanorama spent 10 days in Basra in March 2006 as the country teetered on the brink of civil war
The town had become a battle zone for the Mehdi Army and a competing Shia militia, the Badr Brigade. The British were caught in the middle.The town had become a battle zone for the Mehdi Army and a competing Shia militia, the Badr Brigade. The British were caught in the middle.
Sophisticated roadside bombs were an every day hazard, the armour piercing technology in them supplied by Iran, I was told. It was a way for Iraq's old enemy and neighbour to de-stabilise the south, undermine the West and exert influence by backing rival militias against each other.Sophisticated roadside bombs were an every day hazard, the armour piercing technology in them supplied by Iran, I was told. It was a way for Iraq's old enemy and neighbour to de-stabilise the south, undermine the West and exert influence by backing rival militias against each other.
Escort killedEscort killed
A day later our team travelled through Al Amarah town, which even Saddam Hussein had never tamed.A day later our team travelled through Al Amarah town, which even Saddam Hussein had never tamed.
My escort was Captain Richard Holmes and his men from the Paras. He took me to see how the training of local police forces was progressing and showed me tank mines and rockets which had been seized by Iraqi forces.My escort was Captain Richard Holmes and his men from the Paras. He took me to see how the training of local police forces was progressing and showed me tank mines and rockets which had been seized by Iraqi forces.
But the atmosphere in the town was tense and we sensed something bad could happen any minute.But the atmosphere in the town was tense and we sensed something bad could happen any minute.
Moqtada Sadr had been in town stirring up anti-British feeling.Moqtada Sadr had been in town stirring up anti-British feeling.
The soldiers were anxious for us to get back to their base, a few miles away.The soldiers were anxious for us to get back to their base, a few miles away.
Our convoy split as part of normal security measures - we took one street with an escort, the Paras took a parallel road.Our convoy split as part of normal security measures - we took one street with an escort, the Paras took a parallel road.
As we sped out of town I saw helicopters and tanks heading back the way we had come. Something very bad had indeed happened.As we sped out of town I saw helicopters and tanks heading back the way we had come. Something very bad had indeed happened.
Capt Holmes' convoy had been targeted by a roadside bomb - his shattered vehicle then petrol bombed by local crowds. He and Private Lee Ellis had died just minutes after we left them.Capt Holmes' convoy had been targeted by a roadside bomb - his shattered vehicle then petrol bombed by local crowds. He and Private Lee Ellis had died just minutes after we left them.
No-one knew which militia was behind the killings or what the motive was in the convoluted politics of the town.No-one knew which militia was behind the killings or what the motive was in the convoluted politics of the town.
The British death toll was mounting daily, as were Iraqi casualties - victims of the rival militias.The British death toll was mounting daily, as were Iraqi casualties - victims of the rival militias.
'The Borrowers''The Borrowers'
In early 2007, as the fourth anniversary of the war approached, I found myself interviewing the families of British soldiers who had decided to speak out.In early 2007, as the fourth anniversary of the war approached, I found myself interviewing the families of British soldiers who had decided to speak out.
The programme For Queen and Country showed how the military contract between soldier and government had been broken by the Basra experience.The programme For Queen and Country showed how the military contract between soldier and government had been broken by the Basra experience.
In February 2007 Jane Corbin spoke to the families of British soldiers killed in Iraq about their sons and their views on the government's culpability in their son's deathsIn February 2007 Jane Corbin spoke to the families of British soldiers killed in Iraq about their sons and their views on the government's culpability in their son's deaths
Sue Smith, whose father and grandfather had been in the Army saw her son, Phillip, off to war believing he would be properly equipped and protected. But he died when his lightly armoured Snatch Land Rover was blown up - one of several soldiers to die in similar circumstances.Sue Smith, whose father and grandfather had been in the Army saw her son, Phillip, off to war believing he would be properly equipped and protected. But he died when his lightly armoured Snatch Land Rover was blown up - one of several soldiers to die in similar circumstances.
The Army argued then that these Snatches were more mobile than heavy armour, but the reality was that the British Army had no heavily armoured vehicles suitable for using in built up areas.The Army argued then that these Snatches were more mobile than heavy armour, but the reality was that the British Army had no heavily armoured vehicles suitable for using in built up areas.
"The Yanks always used to call the Brits 'the borrowers' - they've always got to borrow something because they haven't got it," Sue explained."The Yanks always used to call the Brits 'the borrowers' - they've always got to borrow something because they haven't got it," Sue explained.
"Under health and safety law in the UK if someone kept dying because of the same mistake then it would be closed down. Why is it acceptable these lads aren't in the right vehicle to keep them safe?" she asked."Under health and safety law in the UK if someone kept dying because of the same mistake then it would be closed down. Why is it acceptable these lads aren't in the right vehicle to keep them safe?" she asked.
Since then the controversy has only increased with soldiers talking openly about the failings of NHS care for colleagues suffering stress and the growth of charities like Help for Heroes, which many feel are unreasonably having to plug the gap.Since then the controversy has only increased with soldiers talking openly about the failings of NHS care for colleagues suffering stress and the growth of charities like Help for Heroes, which many feel are unreasonably having to plug the gap.
Remarkable footageRemarkable footage
By the end of 2007, with the fifth anniversary of the invasion approaching, I was back in Basra. This time to make two films for Panorama.By the end of 2007, with the fifth anniversary of the invasion approaching, I was back in Basra. This time to make two films for Panorama.
The first The Battle for Basra Palace revealed the secret deal between the British Army and the Mehdi Army, which had allowed our forces to withdraw from the city centre to the airbase outside.The first The Battle for Basra Palace revealed the secret deal between the British Army and the Mehdi Army, which had allowed our forces to withdraw from the city centre to the airbase outside.
As British forces handed back control of Basra Province to the Iraqis in December 2007, Panorama, using soldiers' own footage, told the story of the bloody British fight in southern IraqAs British forces handed back control of Basra Province to the Iraqis in December 2007, Panorama, using soldiers' own footage, told the story of the bloody British fight in southern Iraq
We got hold of remarkable footage shot by soldiers themselves in their last fraught weeks in the city when it was becoming clear the British presence had become so counterproductive that it was time to leave.We got hold of remarkable footage shot by soldiers themselves in their last fraught weeks in the city when it was becoming clear the British presence had become so counterproductive that it was time to leave.
Lance Corporal Kevin Bagling of the Rifles was filmed on a mobile phone in the back of his armoured vehicles as a hail of bullets pinged off the armour round him in an ambush.Lance Corporal Kevin Bagling of the Rifles was filmed on a mobile phone in the back of his armoured vehicles as a hail of bullets pinged off the armour round him in an ambush.
The battle raged for 90 minutes in temperatures of over 50C. "We went through six boxes of water…. the spent bullet casings were red hot, I was burned as one went down my body armour," laughed Kevin.The battle raged for 90 minutes in temperatures of over 50C. "We went through six boxes of water…. the spent bullet casings were red hot, I was burned as one went down my body armour," laughed Kevin.
A month later he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade and with blood pouring down his neck made it back to base where army medics discovered 52 pieces of shrapnel in him - one just touching the jugular vein.A month later he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade and with blood pouring down his neck made it back to base where army medics discovered 52 pieces of shrapnel in him - one just touching the jugular vein.
Time to goTime to go
There were many individual tales of heroism but the British were just clinging on. Iranian mortar crews crept into the city to support their allies in the Mehdi Army.There were many individual tales of heroism but the British were just clinging on. Iranian mortar crews crept into the city to support their allies in the Mehdi Army.
An Iraqi general, Mohan al-Firaji, was sent from the government in Baghdad with a blunt message for the British - they had to go - fast.An Iraqi general, Mohan al-Firaji, was sent from the government in Baghdad with a blunt message for the British - they had to go - fast.
And so a deal was done and Panorama was the first to reveal it.And so a deal was done and Panorama was the first to reveal it.
"The deal was simple" Gen Mohan told me, "the Mehdi Army had to stop bombing British forces and the British would release all Mehdi Army prisoners in its custody"."The deal was simple" Gen Mohan told me, "the Mehdi Army had to stop bombing British forces and the British would release all Mehdi Army prisoners in its custody".
Subsequently pictures showed the Rifles leaving the Palace - the heart of downtown Basra, in their Warriors with banners flying.Subsequently pictures showed the Rifles leaving the Palace - the heart of downtown Basra, in their Warriors with banners flying.
So were they essentially a defeated army as some of the press had charged?So were they essentially a defeated army as some of the press had charged?
"We left because it was the right thing to do. Arguably the peace and quiet we are seeing now in Basra is because we fought them to the negotiating table!" Lt Col Patrick Saunders told me."We left because it was the right thing to do. Arguably the peace and quiet we are seeing now in Basra is because we fought them to the negotiating table!" Lt Col Patrick Saunders told me.
But if it was quiet for the British now out at the airbase, it was anything but quiet for the citizens of Basra as we found out in The Legacy, our second programme.But if it was quiet for the British now out at the airbase, it was anything but quiet for the citizens of Basra as we found out in The Legacy, our second programme.
Ominous threatsOminous threats
Brave local people were prepared to research and film for us in a city where Westerners would be kidnapped the moment they showed their faces in the streets.Brave local people were prepared to research and film for us in a city where Westerners would be kidnapped the moment they showed their faces in the streets.
The tales we uncovered were harrowing.The tales we uncovered were harrowing.
In December 2007, Panorama looked at the role of the Mehdi Army and the techniques they employed to enforce their will in Basra ProvinceIn December 2007, Panorama looked at the role of the Mehdi Army and the techniques they employed to enforce their will in Basra Province
The Islamic militias harassed women - and worse. The police showed us records of 47 killings of women and we saw ugly graffiti - "Beware of using makeup and prettifying yourself, God will punish you for it!" read the ominous threats.The Islamic militias harassed women - and worse. The police showed us records of 47 killings of women and we saw ugly graffiti - "Beware of using makeup and prettifying yourself, God will punish you for it!" read the ominous threats.
'When a woman is murdered her corpse is thrown in the streets," the police chief Maj Gen Abdul Jalil Khalaf told me.'When a woman is murdered her corpse is thrown in the streets," the police chief Maj Gen Abdul Jalil Khalaf told me.
"They write notes on her body that she was an adulteress or some such excuse'" he continued."They write notes on her body that she was an adulteress or some such excuse'" he continued.
Maj Gen Khalaf himself had survived numerous attempts on his life - including once from a car bomb as he drove to meet me.Maj Gen Khalaf himself had survived numerous attempts on his life - including once from a car bomb as he drove to meet me.
Despite the bravery of such people the situation was becoming untenable. The UK forces would only say it was now the job of the British-trained Iraqi forces to defend themselves and call on outside help only if they really needed it.Despite the bravery of such people the situation was becoming untenable. The UK forces would only say it was now the job of the British-trained Iraqi forces to defend themselves and call on outside help only if they really needed it.
Joint offensiveJoint offensive
The fifth anniversary of the invasion in 2008 coincided, at last, with a determined effort to break the power of the militias in Basra.The fifth anniversary of the invasion in 2008 coincided, at last, with a determined effort to break the power of the militias in Basra.
But the British had nothing to do with it.But the British had nothing to do with it.
The central government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, together with US military chiefs disillusioned at the British attitude, began Operation Charge of the Knights - a joint offensive spearheaded by the Iraqi 14th Division.The central government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, together with US military chiefs disillusioned at the British attitude, began Operation Charge of the Knights - a joint offensive spearheaded by the Iraqi 14th Division.
The militias were routed and for the moment have remained quiescent.The militias were routed and for the moment have remained quiescent.
Today, six years on, Basra is far from where it was supposed to be by now - development and re-building have hardly touched those slums and open sewers, although there is more electricity and water, thanks to international aid efforts.Today, six years on, Basra is far from where it was supposed to be by now - development and re-building have hardly touched those slums and open sewers, although there is more electricity and water, thanks to international aid efforts.
Recently provincial elections have been held which have given hope that Iraq's fledgling democracy is gradually taking hold.Recently provincial elections have been held which have given hope that Iraq's fledgling democracy is gradually taking hold.
The Foreign Office talks optimistically of Basra, the city of Sinbad, one day being like Dubai - a profitable trading port with investment flowing in.The Foreign Office talks optimistically of Basra, the city of Sinbad, one day being like Dubai - a profitable trading port with investment flowing in.
It is difficult to picture that now, and although it is premature to talk of failure doubts remain about British security policy in the past six years and what it has bequeathed to Basra.It is difficult to picture that now, and although it is premature to talk of failure doubts remain about British security policy in the past six years and what it has bequeathed to Basra.