End of the Iraq Revolt
The Iraq revolt has collapsed. The usurper Rashid Ali has fled, and has joined the fellow-conspirators who, with the ex- Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, had already sought safety in Iran. An armistice has been concluded, and the lawful Regent has re-entered Baghdad. The young King Feisal is safe. Un- doubtedly Rashid Ali made his move prematurely, or, rather, the Germans were behind their time-table, and were not ready to give him the support in force which he counted on. His movement never had the active support of many of the Notables or the mass of the people, and the corrupt military clique which supported him were powerless to resist the British forces ad- vancing via Falluja towards Baghdad. The position in the north also is very largely restored, British troops having entered Mosul on Wednesday. Since the Arab forces, both there and in the other important oil-centre, Kirkuk, seem disposed to comply with orders from the new Government at Baghdad, the oilfield may be considered safe. It is important that British forces in the Mosul area should be strengthened as rapidly as possible, since Mosul is close to the Syrian frontier. It might well have a part to play in future operations.
