Posted on 07/09/2005 5:07:13 PM PDT by Las Vegas Dave
SECRET PLAN TO QUIT IRAQ Sat Jul 09 2005 19:16:16 ET
BRITAIN and America are secretly preparing to withdraw most of their troops from Iraq - despite warnings of the grave consequences for the region, the SUNDAY MAIL in UK is reporting.
A secret paper written by UK Defence Secretary John Reid for Tony Blair reveals that many of the 8,500 British troops in Iraq are set to be brought home within three months, with most of the rest returning six months later.
The leaked document, marked Secret: UK Eyes Only, appears to fly in the face of Mr Blair and President Bush's pledges that Allied forces will not quit until Iraq's own forces are strong enough to take control of security.
If British troops pull out, other members of the Alliance are likely to follow. The memo says other international forces in Southern Iraq currently under British control will have to be handled carefully if Britain withdraws. It says they will not feel safe and may also leave.
Embarrassingly, the document says the Americans are split over the plan - and it suggests one of the reasons for getting British troops out is to save money. Mr Reid says cutting UK troop numbers to 3,000 by the middle of next year will save GBP 500million a year, though it will be 18 months before the cash comes through.
The document, Options For Future UK Force Posture In Iraq, is the first conclusive proof that preparations for a major withdrawal from Iraq are well advanced.
The British Government's public position is that UK troops will stay until newly trained Iraqi forces are ready to take control of security. Less than a fortnight ago, Mr Blair said it was 'vital' the US-led coalition stayed until Iraq stabilised, and Mr Bush endorsed his comments.
Mr Reid's memo, prepared for Mr Blair in the past few weeks, shows that in reality, plans to get them out - 'military drawdown,' as he puts it - are well advanced.
It says: 'We have a commitment to hand over to Iraqi control in Al Muthanna and Maysan provinces two of the four provinces under British control in Southern Iraq in October 2005 and in the other two, Dhi Qar and Basra, in April 2006.
Developing...
Not after Wednesday's bombings.
Hmmmm... Unless Drudge can produce the original copies faxed from Kinko's, I seriously doubt any troops will be leaving Iraq after the London bombing.
I call BS, and and let's see this alleged document with no pic.
"A secret paper written by UK Defence Secretary John Reid for Tony Blair reveals that many of the 8,500 British troops in Iraq are set to be brought home within three months, with most of the rest returning six months later."
A secret memo? Come on. Perhaps some will rotate on reqular schedules. I assume you are aware the Brits are responsible for a lot of territory around Al Basrah and south toward the ports. You just don't pull almost a divsion worth of military out in a few months period with no means of replacing them.
Gosh, Tony Blair has a Mr. Reid that can't keep his mouth shut either?
Seriesly, is this Sunday night? Is Drudge's siren going off?
ROTF!!!! I needed a giggle :)
Horse Sh*t.. total propaganda..
Rubbish
Is this the same source as the Downing Street Memo?
The document, if real, is proof only that options have been written. It is an incompetent government that does not create option plans for every conceivable contingency.
This is likely just another attempt to embaress Blair at home.
also why the heck does it always say developing....
it is to stroke Drudges ego.
Is Dan Rather working for Drudge now?
GBP 500MM per year doesn't seem like much. They could make a small cut in aid to Africa to pay for it.
The media doesn't have a clue how a war is run.
Since when does Drudge wear knee pads?
wow, I bet its as real as someone could make it
YAH. YAH. YAH. Gotta get that scoop, Matt. The Brits invented tabloids, your "source."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.