... but we've made mess of Iraq, says hero colonel
By Frank WalkerMay 29, 2005The Sun-Herald

The British colonel who delivered a stirring speech to his troops before the Iraq War has slammed the US and its coalition partners for incompetence and lack of planning which has left Iraq in turmoil.

Colonel Tim Collins made headlines around the world for his rousing speech declaring the coalition was going into Iraq to liberate rather than conquer. He now questions the motives for the invasion and feels the wishes of the Iraqis have been ignored.

In a new book Mr Collins, who left the military last year, said the Coalition had no plan how to fill the vacuum after they removed Saddam Hussein.

"There was no evidence of any plan on the ground when I led my battle group forward in March and April 2003," he says in his book Rules Of Engagement. "I simply deplore the current state of affairs."

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