Prince Harry's Tour of Duty in Afghanistan

[christinacg]

Originally Posted by zembla

he looks so different to me in those pics...I can't describe it. Much more mature..it's funny seeing him with facial hair.

Thats what I was thinking! He looks like a "man", lol. But when were all these pictures taken? (not today right?). They must have expected to release them when he got home instead of now I bet.

[pinkie40]

I do think the news leak about Prince Harry is somehow related to the current American presidental election. Yesterday, John McCain was in my Texas hometown for an early morning rally when asked by a school boy about his agenda once in office..Sen. McCain's charged comment combined with Sen. Obama's rebuttal was fodder for every news source all day yesterday..and this particular issue ties into the current situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Considering the manipulation of the media for American political discussion, I am not surprised one bit with the timing of this announcement regarding Prince Harry's military service.

The Fedora wearing Matt Drudge, has in the past, been a part of such dirty press manipulation.

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by Empress

In fact it was not Matt Drudge who broke the story, but a German publication.

Come on! If you refer to the article in "Frau im Spiegel" I found mentioned in one article of yesterday then I doubt anyone believed that this Yellow Press Mag had a real coup. They are the kind of journalists who write about William wanting to kill Camilla or Beatrix hating Maxima. Stuff like that - noone takes them serious, really. Plus as far as I could gather from the other article they just asked if it was possible... Well, anyone could have asked that!

[zembla]

Originally Posted by christinacg

Thats what I was thinking! He looks like a "man", lol. But when were all these pictures taken? (not today right?). They must have expected to release them when he got home instead of now I bet.

for sure...I just saw a news report that said Harry is deeply disappointed right now.

[TheTruth]

Originally Posted by zembla

he looks so different to me in those pics...I can't describe it. Much more mature..it's funny seeing him with facial hair.

Yes, he's very different from the guy coming out drunk of the night club.

[pinkie40]

I noticed in one of the photos of Prince Harry he is wearing a khaki coloured baseball cap with the American Flag!

Loved it!!!!

[Empress]

Originally Posted by Jo of Palatine

Come on! If you refer to the article in "Frau im Spiegel" I found mentioned in one article of yesterday then I doubt anyone believed that this Yellow Press Mag had a real coup. They are the kind of journalists who write about William wanting to kill Camilla or Beatrix hating Maxima. Stuff like that - noone takes them serious, really. Plus as far as I could gather from the other article they just asked if it was possible... Well, anyone could have asked that!

Still it was published elsewhere first. Not to say that I think Dridge is blameless, he should have kept his mouth shut, but it was 2 other media outlets first. Also one in Australia.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Elspeth

Do you think it was such a secret on the spot, though? I mean, presumably other soldiers and any local people associated with the army will already know, and presumably if the Taliban spies are any good, they also already know. The main difference is that we know too now. I hope they don't decide to bring him back to the UK now - the press already has too much influence over what happens with the royal family, and that would just confirm the idea that the press calls the shots where the royals are concerned.

It was probably only the other servicemen and women on his unit, who knew he was out there and there is normally such a strong bond of fellowship, they all look out for one another. They are not even supposed to go to the Jingly markets and it is unlikely many of the locals even know who Harry is. That is the problem, because now the Taliban will probably make an extra effort to attack each and every known base.

The troops, do frequent the 'Coffee Bean' and the PX and they also swop items of clothing, apparently.

[pinkie40]

Thinking about it for a moment, it is rather sad when Harry made the comment about "feeling normal" by serving in war....But then I don't want any war anywhere....Yet "peace" doesn't necessarily mean the absence of conflict...

And then let's not forget Chelsy! It must have been more than difficult for her knowing what she must have known!!! Three Cheers for her "war effort". As my mum used to say "Loose lips sink ships"...

[Pattayathai]

I'm actually quite upset about the media's leak. I wish Harry's tour could be kept private until he returned home safely. Prior to the news, Harry was able to blend in and serve w/o any fear that he would be targeted b/c of his royal status and whatnot. Now that the public know about his stay in Afghanistan, he might be open to targets and all.

Other than my being upset of the media leak. I am very proud of Harry. I am pleased that he is making use of his training from Sandhurst and not just sitting back and 'watching' it instead. I believe this tour will definately mature him incredibly. Well done Henry.

[Al_bina]

Originally Posted by Elspeth

Do you think it was such a secret on the spot, though? I mean, presumably other soldiers and any local people associated with the army will already know, and presumably if the Taliban spies are any good, they also already know. The main difference is that we know too now. I hope they don't decide to bring him back to the UK now - the press already has too much influence over what happens with the royal family, and that would just confirm the idea that the press calls the shots where the royals are concerned.

You are absolutely right. I am sure that the Taliban has learnt about Prince Harry’s presence from the local intelligence sources, but not from the Drudge Report.

Originally Posted by Jo of Palatine

Freedom of speech? The right to express your feelings without the need to fear for repercussions? Quite the democratic thing, IMHO.

As for the media having the right to publish everything they want in a democracy, that is not the case. All democratic countries have laws about the rights of the media and while these are protected (here in Germany even as constitutional rights in our constitution) there are rules which have to be obeyed and rules which any serious journalist will obey because it's the right thing to do.

IMHO the world would have survived without knowing where prince Harry has spent these last weeks. While it is a newsworthy information, it is not a necessary information. So the publishers should have weighted the consequences for the prince and his fellow soldiers against the world's right of information and decided to keep quiet. As most did till the news actually broke. Skydragon is right: those who published that information sit comfortably and peaceful at home while others are facing the consequences. Shame on them!
[shortened]

This is an imperfect world with rules and laws that can be creatively interpreted. So the stable European democracies and monarchies should reap both positive and negative consequences of the freedom of press. I believe that editors should have weighed the consequences for usual soldiers, but for protected Prince Harry. I doubt very much if Prince Harry would have put in any real danger.

[kpusa1981]

It possible since it did come that be back in England soon or will he finish out his tour?

[Gita]

Harry has grown up so much in the last two years well done to him for serving his country and for his personal achievements.

[zembla]

He left but no one knows where to...

Usmagazine.com | Source: Prince Harry Leaves Afghanistan

[rmay286]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

You are absolutely right. I am sure that the Taliban has learnt about Prince Harry’s presence from the local intelligence sources, but not from the Drudge Report.

This is an imperfect world with rules and laws that can be creatively interpreted. So the stable European democracies and monarchies should reap both positive and negative consequences of the freedom of press. I believe that editors should have weighed the consequences for usual soldiers, but for protected Prince Harry. I doubt very much if Prince Harry would have put in any real danger.

I'm all for freedom of the press. That freedom is part of the very reason soldiers are fighting in Afghanistan right now. But in this case I think the media used their freedom irresponsibly, even though it's certainly possible the Taliban already knew Harry was in Afghanistan.

On another note, I think it's great that Harry is in Afghanistan, because obviously as a trained soldier he wanted to go and fight. And since Queen Elizabeth allowed her own son Prince Andrew to go into active combat I'm not surprised she was encouraging towards Harry.

Probably if Harry (and his troop) comes out of Afghanistan safely, the breaking of the media blackout will be mostly forgotten. But I can see there being serious repercussions for the media if (God forbid) anything happens to him in Afghanistan.

[rmay286]

Originally Posted by zembla

He left but no one knows where to...

Usmagazine.com | Source: Prince Harry Leaves Afghanistan

It would make sense to move Harry, but on the other hand, I wonder how much of this new report is a ruse. I wouldn't be surprised if there was an attempt to confuse the Taliban/the media right now and some conflicting reports came out.

[zembla]

I'm guessing they didn't have much time to react since it basically hit the internet and then hit every other media outlet pretty fast.