British commanders called the Iraqi response to the crisis a success.
It is the first time since 1974 that a British commander has been voted to the post by the 14-member committee.
Despite what had already occurred, the British commander agreed to the terms and waited.
British commanders are keeping silent on the details of their strategy.
But the British commanders did not foresee such a large victory.
Hughes often said that when he left, the British commander was "sobbing like a child."
But the British commander, who was extremely busy and constantly on the move, did not receive it.
"Everyone seems to be in a hurry to cover their killings," said one senior British commander, who asked to remain unidentified.
It was eight months before the British commanders acknowledged that the tactic had failed.
The British commanders were forced into one of the most gut-wrenching decisions an officer can ever make.