Reports: UK to begin withdrawing Iraq troops LONDON, England (CNN) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair will order nearly half the British troops in Iraq home by the end of 2007, British news outlets reported early Wednesday. The British Broadcasting Corporation and The Sun newspaper said Blair will tell the House of Commons on Wednesday that 1,500 soldiers will be back in Britain within weeks and that 3,000 of Britain's contingent of 7,000 will be back by the end of the year. (Watch how Blair told President Bush of the UK's plans ) http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/02/20/uk.iraq.troops/index.html
And the US will begin to pull out in January of 09...sounds about right. A reasonable compromise between "Pull Out Now" and stay till there is a working democracy however long it takes. An election platform for The Pragmatist Party.
Denmark cutting and running -- Report: Denmark to announce plans for Iraq withdrawal COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark was expected to announce plans to begin withdrawing its troops from Iraq at a news conference on Wednesday, Danish media reported. Wednesday's news conference in Copenhagen was expected to coincide with a British announcement of a new timetable for the withdrawal of that country's troops from Iraq, the TV2 news channel reported. The 460-strong Danish contingent serves under British command in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-02-21-denmark-iraq_x.htm
I wish W would actually give us a date. Still publicly stating the open-ended commitment line gives no motivation to the Iraqi government to train their own police. If they knew that their loaner police force was leaving in a year, there might be some motivation to change.
Lithuania cutting and running? Lithuania Mulling Iraq Troop Withdrawal The Associated Press February 21, 2007 Lithuania is "seriously considering" withdrawing its 53 troops from Iraq, a government spokeswoman said Wednesday. Defense Ministry spokeswoman Ruta Apeitkyte told The Associated Press that the Baltic country was considering not replacing the contingent when its mission ends in August. It was the first time that Lithuania, a staunch U.S. ally, indicated it would reduce its commitment in Iraq. http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070221/API/702212652&cachetime=3&template=dateline
GWB won't give a date, he won't relent. Such is the discretion of a second term Commander-In-Chief. It's his war, he's fully invested in it and he will stay the bloody course to make the best outcome he can. No one wants any more casualties but it is certainly within precedent for a President to commit soldiers to wars (remember, he had congressional approval till the sh*t began to hit the fan....if it had gone well everyone would be reminding us that they supported the resolution instead of claiming deception). We are in it till 09...don't let your kids volunteer.
I have three nephews turning 17 this year. It's a touchy subject around the families. Anyway it begs the question. Did Jr. know that these countries were about to start pulling out, hence one more reason for the surge?
why is it a touchy subject? were you afraid they'd volunteer, or were you afraid charlie rangel would follow thru?
That's really none of your business. But I did bring it up so yes, I'm afraid they'd enlist. They're from good military stock. Runs in our families. And there are those of us that think it would be a mistake.
not to minimize your fears, which i do understand, but, assuming they're from a tradition that values military service (and we all should), should they choose to volunteer, one has to respect that, or so i'd hope. either way, not an easy moment for them, nor for you. i hope you all can find peace w/ whatever they decide to do.
But don't find three coalition partner's announce getting out of Iraq on the same day a bit too much of a coincidence?
no, i don't really indulge in conspiracy theories- one of my weaknesses, or saving graces, depending on your point of view. and i do feel for you- my best friend, who i don't see nearly enough, and whose views on the war are diametrically opposed to mine, went through much the same thing. his son enlisted in the navy, just a few credits short of his bachelors, post 9/11, and served in the opening salvo of OIF. he eventually was accepted to annapolis, went two years, then left, disillusioned w/ the military. he's now finishing, and trying to figure out what he wants to do w/ his life.
Three coalition partners announce withdrawal from Iraq on the same day and it's a conspiracy theory? Or that there was no warning or coordination with Washington? okay The administration's response sure was polished today for them not knowing about it. Don't you think?
Obviously this is not coincidental and obviously the administration knew about it ahead of time. Britain and Denmark are rock solid U.S. allies.
