The conversation turns to the social graces of Brit military vs USA.

The British show the way to win Iraqi hearts and minds



Nearly two weeks into the campaign, the Brits are managing somehow to fit in to Iraq. It's hot and dirty, there's no beer and not all the natives are friendly. But they will make the best of it - "crack on", as everyone around here says.

The same cannot be claimed for the Americans. The further they advance, the less comfortable they seem with their surroundings, a condition that can have terrible results, as the killing of women and children at a checkpoint shows.

It is often the case in war that allies look askance at each other. But considering the British and American armies as they pursue Saddam, one is still struck by the differences in the way that they go to war. The styles and attitudes are so distinct as to sometimes make it seem remarkable that they manage to be allies.



Be nice now