Defects
So, this week the British Army handed over its last command post in Basra to Iraqi forces, signalling the beginning of our glorious formal withdrawal from Iraq. In an exchange of gifts, Major General Andy Salmon was given a ‘magnificent golden fish‘.
There’s a metaphor in there somewhere but I’m blowed if I can pin it down. Something about the handing over of Iraq’s precious resources, perhaps? An obscure reference to New Labour and a fish always rotting from the head down, do you think?
Is the fish, perhaps, a reminder of those brave keyboard warriors who helped make the case for war – the Alastair Campbells with their faithful megaphones the Nick Cohens, the David Aaronovitchs, the Harry’s Places, the Oliver Kamms and the Norman Gerases of this world? They once swam free in deep waters of certitude attacking enemies with quicksilver ferocity. Now? Frozen and silent. Yellow.
Maybe it’s a reference to what’s happening to the people elsewhere in Iraq. A fish painted gold as an indictment against the damage we do to the environment and ourselves? How the civilised US weapons used in the humanitarian intervention in Fallujah has now left the women there bearing children with two heads, missing limbs and other birth defects?
Still, it’s for the Iraqis to start shouldering the burden, isn’t it? Thanks for the present.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 10:21am under Iraq
Maybe it symbolises the promises of the aforementioned war-boosters withering away like those fairground goldfishes you used to get.
Or maybe it’s because he’s called “Salmon” – geddit?
No.
Probably not then.
I would like to say “Thank You” to the British troops who served in Iraq. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten around our family table. Although this war was brought about by deception and artificial means I shall never belittle the service of those who put their boots on the ground and suffered for the sake of us at home. May God continue to bless you. A grateful American.