British Troops to be out of Iraq by Christmas?

The US commander in Baghdad, Gen David Petraeus has told the Royal United Services Institute in London that British troops could be out of Iraq “later this fall or in the winter”. The general said that British troops are possibly only weeks away from handing over responsibility for security in Basra province to Iraqi forces.

It is thought that our troops will withdraw into a "over watch" position in which they will be able to provide support to Iraqi forces if it is deemed necessary. The General hinted that a reduced number of British troops could be based in Kuwait to carrying out the over-watch role.

Mr Crocker, an Arabic-speaking Middle East specialist told the Telegraph: “A stable, secure Iraq and a democratic Iraq that is an ally in the war on terror and does not threaten its neighbours is, in my judgement, attainable. It will not be quick, it will not be easy. There will be setbacks along the way. As difficult as our current course may be, in my judgement the alternative would be considerably worse.”

This looks like a positive move and a chance that there could be a brighter future for Iraq.