Author Topic: We leaving already? (Read 979 times)

Raider179 · « **on:** July 10, 2005, 11:28:42 AM »

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...

1) I have no problem with having a withdrawl plan ready. No sense waiting till the last minute.

2) Iraq is worse off now than it was before the elections over there. Multiple bombings everyday, assasinations are common..etc

3) Only difference I really see is more Iraqi's are dying now. And that does not mean less American deaths, It just means the same amount of our troops and now more of theirs are being killed.

4) I hope we are not leaving soon because Iraq is still a mess. On the other hand, We might be most of the problem but I think if we pull out too early its just gonna be a civil war so I am not sure...

5)Brits you guys pulling out 8500 in 3 months? Tell me its not true. thanks

Bodhi · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2005, 01:07:42 PM »

I think it's a load of crap to sell papers.

Gunslinger · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2005, 01:20:20 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Bodhi
I think it's a load of crap to sell papers.

Isn't it amazing how all these aleged "secret" and "top secret JCS eyes only" type documents allways end up in the paper?

214thCavalier · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2005, 01:28:33 PM »

Its prudent to have a plan to cover any decision that could be taken in the future.
I would be very surprised if equally their are not plans for them to remain longer.

Its totally irresponsible for that paper to publish this story after the london bombings.
Some will see it as validation that terrorist activity is having an effect on UK decision making.

Bodhi · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2005, 01:30:20 PM »

Good point Cavalier.

Gunslinger · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2005, 01:31:19 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by 214thCavalier
Its prudent to have a plan to cover any decision that could be taken in the future.
I would be very surprised if equally their are not plans for them to remain longer.

Its totally irresponsible for that paper to publish this story after the london bombings.
Some will see it as validation that terrorist activity is having an effect on UK decision making.

i'm not sure about the UK but I can only assume the OPSEC is the same there but in the US it is criminal to publish "classified" documents.

Bodhi · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2005, 01:31:33 PM »

Gunslinger,

That is oh so true. I wish secret documents would remain secret. It's pathetic the amount of people that violate these documents.

Pongo · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2005, 01:49:01 PM »

I think it is good to publish it, if they have a pull out plan that is preempted by the bombings they want to credibly show that they intended to pull out and the bombings have nothing to do with it.

Maverick · « **Reply #8 on:** July 10, 2005, 02:31:05 PM »

Pongo that doesn't fly. Publishing a paper like that or even hinting at it merely adds fuel to their offensive. It would likely make them think that they are achieving their goals and that the oposition is so demoralized they are going to bail rapidly.

lada · « **Reply #9 on:** July 10, 2005, 02:37:19 PM »

Claim, that they would like to end that parade of shame could also support fact, that non of british neither US politics were whining about this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4659287.stm

Gunslinger · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2005, 02:44:42 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by lada
Claim, that they would like to end that parade of shame could also support fact, that non of british neither US politics were whining about this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4659287.stm

well since a majority of terrorists we are fighting in Iraq are Iranians that doesnt seem like a bad Idea

Maverick · « **Reply #11 on:** July 10, 2005, 02:59:02 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by lada
Claim, that they would like to end that parade of shame could also support fact, that non of british neither US politics were whining about this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4659287.stm

HUH???? Please explain this as I think the translation of what you said isn't coming through.

Pongo · « **Reply #12 on:** July 10, 2005, 03:02:46 PM »

You make too much of it.
Their success adds fuel to their offensive not some newspaper article.

lada · « **Reply #13 on:** July 10, 2005, 03:15:24 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Maverick
HUH???? Please explain this as I think the translation of what you said isn't coming through.

... now when its clear who will takeover when US, UK will leave, they can start to draw planes with their silent comeback.

Its also very odd that non of UK or US politics started to panic about Iran invading Iraq and about horrible Jihad against Iraqi supercool 'democracy'.

Aka do you realize that your leaders dont mind that iraq is going to cooperate with greatest of all evils (according to their rhetoric) ?

edit: umm got it

Raider179 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 10, 2005, 03:48:52 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by lada
... now when its clear who will takeover when US, UK will leave, they can start to draw planes with their silent comeback.

Its also very odd that non of UK or US politics started to panic about Iran invading Iraq and about horrible Jihad against Iraqi supercool 'democracy'.

Aka do you realize that your leaders dont mind that iraq is going to cooperate with greatest of all evils (according to their rhetoric) ?

edit: umm got it

Let me see if I can translate this.

I think he is saying Why are the US and UK not upset about Iran helping Iraq out now?(militarily)

The answer he is looking for I think is he wants someone to say we dont care about Iran helping because we want out at any price. Is that about right?