Is it time to pull British troops out of Iraq?

[Tezcatlipoca]

Originally Posted by makikomi

It seems like the military action was carried out without serious consideration given to what to do in the aftermath.

Yep.


Well, the US State Dept did come up with a plan for the aftermath, as they could see what could happen. But the Pentagon ignored it.


The Administration & the Pentagon thought it would all be a cakewalk. And Rummy & co thought it would be ****-easy with all the "shock & awe" bombing & a (relatively) small number of troops, no need for the "Powell Doctrine", no need for vast nos of troops to handle the aftermath & the security. Just quickly topple Saddam, liberate the country, & then parade through the streets while all the Iraqis happily throw flowers at the feet of the soldiers etc.



Should we pull out?


I don't know.


If we pull out soon all at once, the country will surely fall apart.

But if we stay, our very presence will continue to exacerbate the problem, & fuel the insurgency.

Stay for a short while then pull out "when Iraq is ready"? Well, when is that? How long would it take to train the Iraqis effectively & help them build up sufficient security forces? Especially considering it now seems that insurgents & radical groups & so on already have a presence/following amongst the police etc in some areas.


I think we - & they - are screwed either way.

[Tezcatlipoca]

"Blair denies Iraq pull-out date"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4279618.stm

Originally Posted by BBC News

Prime Minister Tony Blair has denied reports that British soldiers will start withdrawing from Iraq next May.

Any exit strategy "depends on the job being done", he told BBC's Sunday AM.

However, Defence Secretary John Reid has hinted the handover to Iraqi forces - followed by the gradual withdrawal of UK troops - could begin next year.

Mr Blair also said he had not expected the "ferocity" with which elements in the Middle East would try to disrupt the political process.

But he said despite insurgents infiltrating the Iraqi police force and the escalating violence in the country, he would have made the same decision to invade Iraq.

"There is no doubt in my mind at all that what is happening in Iraq now is crucial for the future of our own security, never mind the security of Iraq or the greater Middle East," he added.

(snip)