Guardian UK: Army commanders wanted bigger and faster troop pullout

[marmar]

Army commanders wanted bigger and faster troop pullout


Presence on Basra streets seen as doing more harm than good

Richard Norton-Taylor, Michael Howard in Baghdad, and Will Woodward
Thursday February 22, 2007
The Guardian

Military chiefs had been pushing for much bigger cuts in the number of British troops in Iraq than those announced yesterday by Tony Blair, defence officials made clear last night.
For months, army commanders have suggested that their presence on the streets of Basra was doing more harm than good, that it was time to lower expectations and let Iraqi forces take charge of security. They were forced to agree to a more gradual reduction partly in deference to US sensitivities. They also recognised the importance of "managing risk", a senior defence source said.

"You don't want them to have to go back in," he added.

Mr Blair confirmed yesterday that the number of British troops in southern Iraq, currently 7,100, would be reduced by 1,600 over the next few months, and by a further 500 by late summer. That would bring the number down to 5,000, with possible further cuts by the end of this year, he said. Military and defence officials make clear the aim is for all troops, bar a few instructors, to leave Iraq by the end of 2008.......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2018287,00.html

[babylonsister]

1. They see the writing on the wall; I wish we did. nt