UK troops poised to quit Basra

The force has transferred to a logistics base and airfield not far from the city. Their role will be that of an overwatch force, providing advisors to the Iraqi security forces, and will provide direct support to the Iraqis if required and requested.

Info to this callsign is that the force will be reduced over the next few months with a total withdrawl within the next 12-18 months. There will then be a gradual increase in the Afghanistan commitment in direct correspondence with this move.

Or at least that's the word on the street...

reply to post by PaddyInf


Indeed, it's almost certain that Britain will increase its commitments to Afghanistan as our forces in Iraq decrease. This is what Brown has promised, as I recall. Seeing as many NATO members won't allow their forces to see combat in Afghanistan despite having troops there, it looks like its down to just a handful of nations to provide personnel and resources for the volatile south of the country.

reply to post by PaddyInf


I just watched BBC news at ten.....Bush wasn't looking or sounding to pleased. One of his quotes was definitely aimed at Brown and co. I don't really care about Bush reactions or views, this is a massive day for our forces and a massive vote winner for brown, did you notice there talking about a snap election already, surely not a coincidence.

I think people are right when they say that a pullout of troops from Iraq would be a vote winner back in the UK. Mr Brown seems not at all keen to play ball even if he is saying it was planned well in the past

Brown did again dodge the question today regarding troops being pulled out after the withdrawal of the last Basra palace.

It's obvious the game is up now.

IF Brown is still looking for an early election, Iraq has to be finished with and brushed under the carpet.

[edit]

remember the words the Prime Minister said today;

"we will continue to discharge our responsibilities in Iraq"

and the countless times he didn't answer anything regarding his relations with the United States. He mentioned the US and Bush once, which was;

"We and the United States have the same goal in Iraq, that I've set out"



[edit on 4-9-2007 by infinite]

It was on the cards as soon as Brown took control of the wheel.

Dooes anyone wonder how much better this whole mess might have turned out if there had been proper thought and manpower put into this operation from the word go.

The people at the top have been wholly responsible for this cock up from the word go so it ill behoves Bush to make veled insults about dodging responsibility IMO.

reply to post by ubermunche


That could be true, I though am glad were getting out of there, 45min warning? (yep that must be true)