I certainly hope the Iraqis requested that the Brits leave. But I doubt it. Does anyone have a good explanation/context for this withdrawl? I'm hoping it meets with Tony Blair's approval. Great if so, but it looks just a wee bit desperate and hurried. It would be great to have them around a bit more. Even training up more Iraqis would be good because it would free up other coalition forces to maintain the momentum and pound AQI's a$$ into the sand once and for all. Seems like he's blindly keeping a campaign promise, but it also seems like British public opinion might want to stay in now that things are going well and Iraqis seem to be happy about things. Any Brits out there who have a feel for this? Am I way off here?GORDON Brown yesterday delivered a stirring festive message to Our Boys in Iraq: “Happy Christmas – war is over.”
Oh, I'm just feeling warm and fuzzy all over already! That or I've been overrun by 100 gerbils.
The PM was cheered as he praised UK troops and revealed combat operations in Basra will end “within two weeks”.
Iraqi forces will take over as the 4,500-strong British force switches from front-line duties to a training role. By early next year, our contingent in Southern Iraq will be cut to 2,500 – and may be withdrawn completely in March.
The PM broke the good news in a flying visit to Iraq.
I would call it news. Not necessarily 'good' news. That's not the reporter's role to decide.
He landed at the ArmyÂ’ s base at Basra airport in darkness in an RAF Hercules transporter plane. Minutes later he spoke to Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki.
He then gave a rousing speech to 300 squaddies after shaking hands with them all. To warm applause, he told them the region – the last under British control in Iraq – would be handed back to the Iraqis in a fortnight.
Whose warm applause? The press corps?
He said: “The Prime Minister of Iraq has asked me to pass on his thanks to you for helping to rebuild the democracy of Iraq.
So why didn't he show up in person?
“This is because of the operations over the last month that you have been involved in.
“The security situation has not only improved, but he is able to tell me he will now be recommending a move to a provisional Iraqi control within two weeks.
“Iraqis can take far more control of their country.”
Mr Brown quoted Sir Winston Churchill and Field Marshal Montgomery as he thanked Our Boys for their “courage and bravery”.
Shouldn't Tony be doing that?
He said: “The British people are so grateful for all you do . . . we are incredibly proud of what you have done. The whole British people are proud of everything you achieved here “Thank you very much and happy Christmas to you all.”
Since Our Boys withdrew from BasraÂ’s city centre and palace to the airport a few miles away back in September attacks on them have fallen by 90 per cent.
And water is wet. OK. Go on.
They have been helping to train 30,000 police and armed forces during rebuilding operations.
Couldn't they stay to train more then? Safe but in the end, just as necessary and effective.
It is thought they will only be recalled to the front if there is a major post-handover incident coupled with a direct plea from Iraqi generals. Several hundred may be stationed in neighbouring Kuwait early next year.
Where they will take on the role of infidels to the terrorists.
Before flying out, Mr Brown insisted five Brits kidnapped in IraqÂ’s capital Baghdad in May must be freed immediately.
I'd stay to kick your terrorist a$$es but I gotta go back for an important vote or something.
The kidnappers warned last week the men will be killed unless troops are withdrawn, but Mr Brown said he would not be forced into changing his policies in the country.
Yeah. The terrorists are going to buy that. So will their sympathizers and future recruits.
He added: “The taking of hostages is completely unacceptable. We are demanding the immediate release.”
They'll get right on that. After they're done barbequeing a couple more teenagers.
Mr Brown could do a “Maggie” and defy the latest polls to win the next election, his closest ally claimed yesterday.
It'll be interesting to watch, that's for sure.
ChildrenÂ’s Secretary Ed
Any particular reason why you would bring this up?