Unfortunately after we bombed the [is[/ihit out of Iraqi infrastructure, we did next to buggerall to rebuild it again. If we'd prioritised the restoration of reliable electricity, oil, potable water and sewerage systems, I doubt we'd have half the problems we see now and could probably have returned the troops home a damn sight quicker

So that's not the John Simpson who nearly got blown up by a carelessly dropped US bomb that killed a load of US soldiers and some of his own crew, including the young Iraqi whose feet were blown off leaving him to bleed to death?

You might dislike Simpson, but the idea that he has no idea about the realities of war is nonsense.

You know how you dislike people quoting things you never said Minty?
I'm merely suggesting that the permanent feet on the ground are possibly in a superior position to make judgement on whether there has been any improvement in their lot.

Would you not agree?

Yes. But that doesn't mean that your description of Simpson is entirely fair/accurate.

The problem would be if his report hadn't acknowledged the responses of those "feet on the ground" that he had talked to.

To be entirely fair to him, I prefer anybody to Kate Adie.