Bulgaria reduces duties of its troops in Iraq (anger & plunging morale)

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L15575896.htm

SOFIA, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Bulgaria said on Thursday it had temporarily cut its peacekeeping duties in Iraq due to its soldiers' anger and plunging morale after a car bomb killed five of their colleagues last month.

Chief of Staff Nikola Kolev told a news conference that coalition allies had taken over patrolling at some checkpoints around Iraq's holy city of Kerbala and escorting convoys transporting food, fuels, arms and soldiers from Kuwait to Iraq.

He said the main reason to give up some of the duties for the time being was concerns that troops could clash with locals after the bombing, which injured dozens and destroyed one of their bases in the city.

The Balkan country, a staunch supporter of the U.S.-led military campaign that toppled Saddam Hussein, has sent a 480- strong light infantry battalion to serve in the Polish-led force in Kerbala.

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[trumad]

1. I'm guessing that our Bribes just weren't enough...

Let's see... A bribe of aid and money or dead Bulgarians... They're finally waking up ....

[Mika]

2. looking for revenge?

He said the main reason to give up some of the duties for the time being was concerns that troops could clash with locals after the bombing, which injured dozens and destroyed one of their bases in the city.

Sounds like the Bulgarian troops were looking to extract some revenge from the locals.

[JohnyCanuck]

3. On the other hand

the Bulgarian troops could be saying, "Fuck this bullshit. Why should we put our lives at risk for that dumbshit in the White House and his Halliburton cronies?" However, it sounds a a bit better for the Bulgarian officials to imply that they have to take a timeout from their assigned duties because their troops are now so enraged that they might be overenthusiastic in dealing with the locals