As our Pentagon Plans Increasing Iraq Force by 30,000, Brits Are Planning Troop Cuts

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Beckett hints at troop cuts in Iraq

MICHAEL SETTLE November 23 2006
The prospect of some British troops returning home from Iraq by Easter was given weight by Margaret Beckett yesterday as the United Nations reported that October was the bloodiest month since the 2003 invasion, with a civilian death toll of over 3700.

The Foreign Secretary told MPs that not only was the British-run province of Maysan in the south-east due to be handed over in January but also that Basra, the southern-most province, could follow suit "next spring".

Last night, Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence placed heavy caveats on her remarks, insisting that any withdrawal of troops had to be "conditions-based".

The Prime Minister's spokes-man explained that Operation Sinbad - aimed at quelling militants in Basra - had "so far gone well" and local Iraqi forces were acquiring "increased capability".
But the spokesman said that, until its success or otherwise could be fully assessed, it was "speculation" about troop numbers.

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/75127-print.shtml



Bush's Duck And Cover Tour
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