British Soldiers' Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners Sparks Muslim Anger

British Muslim leaders warned Monday of potential violent reprisals in the Middle East following the emergence of video footage apparently showing British soldiers abusing Iraqi prisoners. The disturbing images, which have been broadcast worldwide, have caused a major crisis between the West and the Muslim world, already strained over the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. British troops preparing for deployment to Afghanistan were placed on high alert as the allegations came to light, which demonstrate a "worrying breakdown" in army discipline, according to Sir Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain.

Key Takeaways:

• The video footage, which lasts three minutes and 12 seconds, appears to show eight British soldiers beating four Iraqi teenagers, alongside the cameraman's commentary on the attack.
• The footage was reportedly taken during a series of street riots in southern Iraq in early 2004 and was given to the News of the World by a whistleblower.
• British military police arrested one man Sunday night in connection with the allegations, and the government immediately launched a full investigation.
• Prime Minister Tony Blair said the allegations would be taken seriously but insisted the majority of British troops in Iraq and elsewhere were doing a "great job."
• Seven thousand four hundred and twenty (7,420) British troops are currently deployed in Iraq, and around 80,000 have served in the country since March 2003.
• This is the sixth case of British soldiers accused of deliberate abuse of Iraqi civilians since the start of the Iraq war.
• Sir Iqbal Sacranie warned that British troops would be placed in "greater peril" by the allegations and urged the British Army to practice a "zero tolerance policy" towards brutality.
• The Muslim Action Committee, an umbrella group organizing a march in London this Saturday to protest against the Danish cartoons, warned the images could be used by extremists to whip up Muslim anger.
• Hundreds of people in Tehran, Iran, protested Monday over the claims, but the demonstration remained peaceful.

Statistics:

• 80,000 British troops have served in Iraq since March 2003.
• 7,420 British troops are currently deployed in Iraq.
• 150 Royal Marine Commandos are to depart for Afghanistan Tuesday as part of the NATO mission to stabilize the volatile province of Helmand.
• The British government has launched a full investigation into the allegations.
• The video footage lasted three minutes and 12 seconds.

Sources:

• UPI: Hannah K. Strange, London, Feb. 13
• News of the World: Sunday edition
• Muslim Council of Britain
• British Ministry of Defense
• Downing Street
• Hizb-ut-Tahrir Britain
• The Muslim Action Committee