Alleged Cruelty By British Troops To Iraqis

This is the story that British soldiers have been accused of cruelty to Iraqi prisoners and their families during the Iraqi war from 2003 – 2008.

The lawyers of the Iraqi victims have asked the High Court of Justice for a public enquiry to look into the allegations further.

Ways this affects citizens:• The MoD paid out £15 million to settle 200 claims• Changes the publics view of the army and the Iraq war• Less likely that the public will want support the armed forces as much

Effects of this on the Public Services

• The MoD has a lot of responsibility to put this situation right and to put their reputation right.

• This will affect the way in which the armed forces’ training will have to be changed to make sure that the methods of questioning are humane.

• It will cost the MoD to alter the training and policies to ensure that there is no cruelty in the future.

• It will also cost the MoD to conduct internal inquiries and so settle cases, as it has already cost them £15m.

• Help For Heroes may not attract as much support from the public because of this news.

Comparing the Headlines From Different News Reports

The guardian’s headline is a question, which shows that the article will be discussing the issues and isn’t accusing anyone. It also shows that the

article is not bias.

The BBC’s headline also is unbiased because it uses the word ‘claim’, which means that there is a chance it may not be true.

The Daily Star’s headline is more against the armed forces because unlike the other two articles, it is implying that it is a fact other than giving the armed forces a chance.

This headline makes the reader want to answer the question themselves so they will make an opinion of their own.

This headline is a statement which makes the reader believe it, even though it uses the word ‘claim’.

It is likely that citizens will form a negative opinion of the public services which could lead to them becoming unpopular.

This unpopularity may have negative affects on the armed forces.

This headline is from a tabloid newspaper so it is trying to attract the reader no matter what, instead of giving accurate information.

Comparing the Information From Different News Reports

The BBC’s article uses a lot of straight facts and information on the topic instead of risking being bias.

Although the headline was unbiased, the article has a lot of graphic information about what happened that is likely to easily turn the public against the armed forces.

The Star’s article is quite short and like the BBC article it shows straight facts, but it goes into less detail and is a much shorter article. This shows that the headline was just their to entice the reader without worrying about being bias because it is a tabloid.

‘The hearing before two judges is expected to last three days.’

‘The court will decide whether alleged mistreatment was "systemic".’

‘Michael Fordham QC, appearing for the Iraqis, told the High Court "enough is enough".’

‘The British government will argue in court that this apparent litany of abuse by troops it sent to "liberate" the Iraqis does not warrant a public inquiry, since it was not "systemic".’

‘Women, the elderly and children were among the victims of indiscriminate action following the invasion of Iraq, according to an 82-page document put before two judges.’

• Daily Star (2013) UK TROOPS IN 'ACTS OF BRUTALITY' available at: www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/295799/UK-troops-in-acts-of-brutality-/

• The Guardian (2013) Is Britain guilty of systemic torture in Iraq? Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/19/britain-guilty-systemic-torture-iraq

• BBC News (2013) Iraqis claim British troops 'acted with brutality‘ Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21241088