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2011-03-07 Africa North
More on the SAS/"Diplomat" fiasco in Libya
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Posted by gorb 2011-03-07 00:31|| || Front Page|| [11128 views ]  Top

#1 "which they said had a secret compartment sewn into it."

Probably the pouch for a protective cup much like that used by sports players.
Posted by crosspatch 2011-03-07 02:03||   2011-03-07 02:03|| Front Page Top

#2 It's where they keep their extra ball.
Posted by gorb 2011-03-07 02:09||   2011-03-07 02:09|| Front Page Top

#3 We had better hope that the rebels succeed in overthrowing Gadhafi, because if they don’t, that's going to be one very pissed off tyrant directing his anger at us.
Posted by kojack 2011-03-07 08:03||   2011-03-07 08:03|| Front Page Top

#4 What';s he going to do? Shoot down an airliner?
Posted by Nimble Spemble 2011-03-07 08:34||   2011-03-07 08:34|| Front Page Top

#5 It was the latest British embarrassment over Libya, after the US shot down the idea of a no-fly zone and we were slow off the mark rescuing stranded citizens....And Gaddafi exploited it last night, telling his citizens the uprising was a Western conspiracy.

The squadron 'security element' appears to be a bit lacking. All said, precisely why everyone should stay the hell out of that mess. A "no-fly zone" would require the taking down of Libyan anti-aircraft radars and batteries. Not an easy task, and also an "Act of War."
Posted by Besoeker 2011-03-07 08:55||   2011-03-07 08:55|| Front Page Top

#6 PPPP.

If nothing else, start the mission by parachuting radios, with "take me to your leader", or the equivalent, written on them in the local language.

Then, when one of them makes it to someone with authority, who is smart enough to figure out how to use a radio, set up a chat with him.

Eventually arrange for "some of your people to meet with some of our people", at a particular place and time. They are to go somewhere, and set up a signal to identify themselves, and wait for a half hour before our guys show up. ("Wear a pink carnation in your lapel.")

Then, if they show up, have your security check out a wide perimeter to see if they brought friends with them. Then and only then do you send your team in, with security sniper overwatch.

Security makes sure that no one interrupts your meeting, that the other guys don't pull any fast ones like trying to kidnap your team, and that your escape route is covered.

In about 70% of the world, your team will need to bring bribes, and promises of more bribes. Only then can they get down to business. For this the team needs flexibility, so needs to be able to make irresistible offers.

And before they part company, to set up protocols for future meetings and communications.
Posted by  Anonymoose 2011-03-07 09:11||   2011-03-07 09:11|| Front Page Top

#7 "If nothing else, start the mission by parachuting radios, "
You may even be able to find them on twitter or face book or IRC.
Posted by newc 2011-03-07 11:05||   2011-03-07 11:05|| Front Page Top

#8 Wait, the US dismissed the NFZ? Last I heard we were still at the fool range of options. And the links.
Posted by swksvolFF 2011-03-07 11:15||   2011-03-07 11:15|| Front Page Top

#9 Was going to say: The rebel gov has contacts overseas (I believe the Libyan ambassadors to the US and UN have defected). Have them do the initial protocols for the meet-up. There would have been much less ambiguity.

This looks like a "blind drop" and these have a much lower chance of success, even if you're contacting friends.
Posted by Frozen Al 2011-03-07 11:17||   2011-03-07 11:17|| Front Page Top

#10 Sounds like an ill conceived and bungled mission from the get go.
Posted by DarthVader 2011-03-07 11:34||   2011-03-07 11:34|| Front Page Top

#11 Sounds like an ill conceived and bungled mission from the get go. Posted by: DarthVader

Spot on Darth. Nothing quite says "bungled" like the involvement of a British Diplomat.
Posted by Besoeker 2011-03-07 12:07||   2011-03-07 12:07|| Front Page Top

#12 He was trying to establish diplomatic relations with rebels fighting to topple the dictator and a larger Foreign Office team was to follow.

Not buying it. This was a RECON mission that was either poorly planned or badly executed - or both.
Posted by DepotGuy 2011-03-07 13:12||   2011-03-07 13:12|| Front Page Top

#13 Yes, the boots on the ground necessary for a NFZ.
Posted by swksvolFF 2011-03-07 14:31||   2011-03-07 14:31|| Front Page Top

#14 Last I heard we, or rather Obama, was at the [golf] Driving Range of options...
Posted by CrazyFool 2011-03-07 14:43||   2011-03-07 14:43|| Front Page Top

#15 I guess they had nothing better to do.
Posted by g(r)omgoru 2011-03-07 15:01||   2011-03-07 15:01|| Front Page Top

#16 The golf range of options, good one CrazyFool.

Bunch of greenhorns who only know their side has no aircraft, lucky they didn't get shot up. Remember Team Rebels shot up a British C-130 in the first inning thinking it was Team Daffy so I think gorb is quite right.

On the other hand,
Bond has lost his underpants.
Jasmine has a long mustache.
Posted by swksvolFF 2011-03-07 16:52||   2011-03-07 16:52|| Front Page Top

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