A major with the Desert Rats has become southern Iraq's chief paymaster, after UK forces secured the vaults of the central bank in Basra and moved large amounts of money to a secure military base before looters could reach it.
I think they're being paid with the funds seized, which is good. It also prevents our guys being attacked, unlike the current situation viz the Americans. Maybe they can use some of the billions they seized to pay the Iraqi soldiers currently unemployed?
Personally, I think we should pay them. The alternatives are
1. Rioting and organised resistance
2. Attempts to enter this country to:
a. Claim asylum
b. Get some payback
3.A situation that will make Northern Ireland look like a cakewalk
If we give them money and a purpose, the hearts and minds campaign will contine succesfully. Some will rejoin the new model Iraqi Army, others will set up in business or co-operatives. The most important thing is, with a full belly, money and employment, the temptation to take their frustration out on the nearest squaddie disappears.