Iraq leader welcomes troops' exit

[133724]

Tony Blair's plan to recall 1,600 British troops from Iraq within the next few months has been welcomed by the country's president.

Jalal Talabani's spokesman said it was a "welcome catalyst" that would force Iraqi forces to take responsibility for the country's security.

<snip>

Hiwa Osman, the Iraqi president's spokesman, said Mr Blair's announcement was a "welcome catalyst for Iraqi forces to stand on their own feet and assume security responsibilities".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6384685.stm

[Erika]

1. We invade a country and blow it away with shock and awe

We decimate them, and then we tell them to stand up for themselves.

[frogcycle]

2. hey, maybe bush will be pissed off at "Blair" and want

to raise the stakes. "hey blair, I'll see your 1600 and raise you 21000"