My Way News
"Britain said Monday it expects to withdraw thousands of its 7,000 military personnel from Iraq by the end of next year, while Poland and Italy announced the impending withdrawal of their remaining troops."
When it's "maybe" they get uncharacteristically specific about numbers and locations. In any case it amounts to a statement that they shall not withdraw any troops before 2008.
"'We have said that we and the Iraqis hope they will be ready to take over Maysan in January,' Browne said. 'We have said - and the foreign secretary reiterated last week - that we hope they will be ready to take over Basra in the spring. If both of these go to plan, we will be able to start drawing down our forces.'"
Go to hopes, he means.
"Browne said that handing over security would not mean a complete British withdrawal. 'I do not believe it is right to give precise numbers, nor to assume what the next 12 months will hold. But I can tell you that by the end of next year I expect numbers of British forces in Iraq to be significantly lower - by a matter of thousands. The planning for this has been going on for some months.'"
A little early then to plan the parties? A lot more US troops would allow for a redeployment to Afghanistan. Draft alert.
The Ear of Mauron
