US 'will not stop' British pull-out at Basra Palace

[cal04]

British troops will withdraw to the last military stronghold in Iraq imminently, and will not be "swayed by domestic political considerations" – including relations with the US – senior government sources said yesterday.

Defence ministry insiders confirmed last night that Britain plans to stick to its timetable to pull out of its stronghold at Basra Palace "within days or weeks", despite misgivings from US military and government figures that local Iraqi forces are not ready to take control.

US commanders in Baghdad want Britain to delay the pull-out of 500 British troops, fearing the Iraqi security services are not sufficiently well trained or equipped to control lawlessness.

But in frank discussions between British and American military commanders on the ground, Britain has made it clear it believes the Iraqis are perfectly capable of taking over as early as next week.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2896186.ece

[tularetom]

1. The poodle is gone and a bulldog has taken his place

Looks like common sense has prevailed in the UK. What must the average citizen there think when he sees what's going on here? I'd be thinking "we're truly on our own now. Can't depend on those religious wackos in the states anymore".

[Middle finga]

2. The Brits better be careful not to piss off those criminals in DC

There could be another "friendly fire" accident like in Afghanistan the other day. You know mind set of a gangster, once you join you cant quit.

[0007]

3. .....junior might sic Barney on the Queen, 'eh? nt

[marmar]

4. How gracious of the U.S. not to "stop" a sovereign nation from doing what it plans to do....

:eyes: