Brits hand over Basra security responsibility

[unhappycamper]

Basra governor Mohammed al-Waili, right, looks on as British Maj. Gen. Graham Binns, left, the head of British forces in Basra, signs a memorandum of understanding during a handover ceremony in Basra, Iraq's second-largest city, on Dec. 16.


Brits hand over Basra security responsibility
By Lori Hinnant - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Dec 16, 2007 12:03:41 EST

BAGHDAD — British forces formally handed over responsibility Sunday for the last region in Iraq under their control, marking the start of what Britain hopes will be a transition to a mission aimed at aiding the economy and providing jobs in an oil-rich region beset by militia infighting.

With the handover of Basra, in Iraq’s far south, nine of the country’s 18 provinces have reverted to Iraqi government control.

“I came to rid Basra of its enemies and I now formally hand Basra back to its friends,” the commander of British forces there, Maj. Gen. Graham Binns, said shortly before he added his signature to papers relinquishing responsibility for the overwhelmingly Shiite region home to most of Iraq’s oil reserves. “We will continue to help train Basra security forces. But we are guests in your country, and we will act accordingly.”

Mowafaq al-Rubaie, Iraq’s national security adviser, said his government was ready and called on Basra’s citizens to work together.

“Your unity is essential in rebuilding your city. You have to come together and unify — Sunnis, Shiites, Muslims and non-Muslims and nationalists,” he said.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_britainbasra_071216/

[izzie]

1. Guardian has an item on this. Sounds like a real mess.

What can one say. As a women I am glad I do not live in the Middle East. All those scary men who fear women so. I swear formal religion and women do not mix and never have.