British troops to withdraw from Basra
Steve Robinson:
December 10th, 2007
In the latest efforts to bring stability to Iraq, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced yesterday that British troops would begin withdrawing from the Basra region within the next two weeks. The move is the first step to reducing the UK presence in the area to just 2,500 troops by spring 2008, and will be the first time that Iraq’s second city will be without foreign soldiers since the conflict began in 2003. Brown also praised soldiers for their efforts during his unannounced visit to Basra, saying the British people were proud of them, according to BBC News.
“I have just talked to Prime Minister [of Iraq] Maliki and he asked me to pass on his thanks to you for what you have done to help rebuild the democracy of Iraq.
“I know many of you will not be home for Christmas, but I do appreciate the spirit of service that means you are serving here the national interest at Christmas time.”Gordon Brown speaking at a Basra airbase yesterday
Source: BBC News
The decision comes amid concerns that, despite the PM’s reassurances that the 30,000 Iraqi armed forces and police can provide effective provincial control, the situation in Iraq could easily worsen following the withdrawal of troops. Only in August, following the initial stages of handing Basra back to the Iraqi authorities, violence broke out over political control and oil resources in the region amongst Shiite militias. Furthermore, last week the Commons Defence Committee – the body of MPs that monitors the Ministry of Defence – warned that removing troops could lead to insecurity in the area. They questioned the allegiances of police officers, saying that the British troops may have made “significant progress” in the region but that it still relied on British soldiers to function (Source: Sky News).
Though this staggered withdrawal from the region is a positive move for Iraq, culminating presumably in the complete removal of British troops over the next year or so, the apparent successes of the British in Basra could be undermined by instability caused by infighting or criminal activity, which could well rise after the withdrawal. However, if the Iraqi forces are able to maintain order in the region, then the New Year will be a cause for celebration in Basra, as the whole country looks forward to an important year ahead.
Image: The White House