David Cameron was accused last night of risking a Vietnam-style quagmire in Libya by sending military advisers to help the country’s rebels.The first official deployment of troops on the ground marks a significant escalation in the war and immediately invited charges of ‘mission creep’.
A ten-strong team of intelligence, signals and logistics experts will help set up an opposition headquarters to take on Colonel Gaddafi’s forces.
The Prime Minister approved the move amid frustration that Nato’s no-fly zone has failed to shield civilians properly.
But Libyan deputy foreign minister Khalid Kaim branded the move an ‘act of war’ and senior MPs and former commanders warned of echoes of America’s first steps in Vietnam.
They said Britain risked getting bogged down in Libya for years and one demanded a recall of Parliament.
‘The danger of putting advisers on the ground is that you are making it crystal clear that you are supporting the rebels and stoking up a civil war,’ he added.
‘It is sad that we don’t appear to think we can bring sufficient pressure on Gaddafi to leave him isolated without having to up the ante in terms of supporting the opposition with military advice.’
Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said: ‘It must not be seen as a first instalment of further military deployment.
‘Vietnam began with an American president sending military advisers. We must proceed with caution.’ A senior government source denied the claim of mission creep, saying: ‘At most it is mission twitch.’ Read More
No comments:
Post a Comment