I am a US citizen, please remember that we want out troops out too. I would please ask that the UK get's all of it's troops out and soon. The US government quit listening to it's citizens a long time ago, maybe if the UK get's out others will finally listen. Now I will probably be hunted down by my government for sending this comment, what a world we live in!

John, Washington, USA

Contrary to US perception, UK trrops have completed their job in Basra. Basra will be the last provence of 4 to hand back to the Iraqi forces. There is no need for US security intervention in the South. If US forces show their face in Basra, they will inflame the situation rather than solve an

Its important to realise Basra inter Shite spats and internal politics can only be resolved by Basra authorities and Iraq security forces and local police; not British troops or extra troops. The UK forces are not facing al qieda or pro baathist insurgents in Basra.

Lets hope the Pentagon does not make a stupid mistake of sending troops to Basra when they are simply not required. Let Iraqi security forces have their head and tighten security in their own back yard. They are the best to calm things done in Basra and create law and order amongst shiite groups.

With 5500 UK forces out of Iraq, this will mean 5500 more soldiers available for Afghanistan to secure Southern and Eastern Afg

Rob Smith, London, UK

The United Kingdom has earned high regard for its accomplishments in Iraq, particularly since Mr. Blair stepped down. It is unfortunate that Mr. Bush hasn't paid more attention to the leadership demonstrated by UK in all respects: its military, its knowledge of how to work with those who violently oppose occupation, and small steps toward a government that will ultimately bring Iraq together, or create ethnic areas where it may be possible to pull a little sanity out of another Bush fiasco.

Many thanks to Great Britain

Edwin Kennedy, Stoughton, USA, Wisconsin

Whatever the rights or wrongs of our entry into Iraq. We should be sure, now that we're there, that we are leaving for the right reasons.

We may live to regret going in, but lets not live to regret the consequences of a job half-done. Naturally, Brown wants to withdraw, he wants a snap-election. That, however, is not a good enough reason to leave Iraqi forces; currently not fit for purpose, infilterated and low in numbers, to placate anarchy.

'Tired of America', I know that many of our left wing friends eschew the historical approach, but history clearly shows that the US is one of our staunchest allies. A multiplicity of 'pied-a-terres' in the south of France and directives such as the common agriciultural policy- which is obviously a boon to our economy, are not reason enough to alter that concord, 'non'?

Perturbed of London, London, UK

Just proves Brown's word means nothing, he has lied to Bush just like he is lying to the British public over the EU treaty. Just put it down that he is a socialist
and a Scottish one.

Barry Holmes, Christchurch, New Zealand

I don't see what the big deal is, what are we doing there? Bringing democracy to Iraq? Who's democracy? America's?
America's democracy decided not to count the vote of thousands of black Americans in Florida, who would have most likely have voted for Al Gore...(Jeb Bush was governor) Would Al Gore have invaded Iraq?? Again, I ask who's democracy?
Some countries aren't ready or just don't want democracy.
In the democracy of ancient Greece, you could n't vote on War unless you were a citizen warrior, prepared to go to war yourself, yes you!
Would Bush and Blair put on body armour and do battle in Iraq or anywhere for that matter? Do any of their family members serve in the Military? Do they suffer when the body bags come home? Did they find weapons of mass destruction?
Halliburton, is being given contracts (without tender) worth billions in Iraq, while Iraqi's live in severe poverty, is this democracy?
Our elite are arrogant and dangerous, is this democracy?

Graham Wharton, St. Albans, uk

A pointless war initiated by a meglomaniac with the intellect of a gnat and allegedly a direct line to God.

Hopefully the UK has learned its lesson and will no longer pander to America's every whim.

PMD, London, UK

Labour's withdrawal from Iraq signifies a number of likelihoods. Firstly, it is Brown's deceptive way of telling the country ' This was Blair's war, not mine', which would be a lie. Secondly, it would be Brown hoping that the withdrawal would be a vote-winner in a General Election; assuming he has the courage to call one.

Rick, London, England

Any handover depends on the clarity of original objectives (strategic, tactical, declared and undeclared!) and, equally important, on the timing. Getting out too soon can leave a partial power vacuum, but more significanly, getting out too late can let the situation fester provoking additional violence against the "occupying forces" and between rival power groups. But you don't get two bites at the cherry!

Watson, Montpellier, France

wonderful

pc, roseau, dominica

Go home. We don't need you.

Walter Ruther, Detroit, MI

Go on I dare you

george deighton, london, uk

Round up all those Iraqi Giro seekers who are dealing drugs and prostitution in Britain , give them a few months army training then throw them all back home to re-build their country and bring it peace. But of course the Lefti Libral Wine drinking dears in the uk would never dream of such a practical idea.

Would prefere to see British lads Murdered.Now hows about putting this posting up but of course you wont , libraels never do. Far too PC

george deighton, london, uk

Fish and chip eating surrender monkeys!

Tim, Toronto,

Don't worry about Uncle Sam. Get out while the gettins good. Save some lives. Then the US can use this as an excuse to do what we should have done long ago...put our tails between our legs, cut losses, go home and let the Iraqis clean up their own mess. Bush will go down as the biggest bungler in the history of the American presidency. No need for our British cousins to pay with any more of their blood.

M Levine, New York,

Nice to see the true colour of many of the USA comments in here, maybe if we blindly follow you into WW3 you would like us more and we could repay you for ww2 and ww1, shame there wont be a world left to live in though.

Phillip Harris, London, UK

Democrats and computers at depreciation rates of 30% p.a. were ruining the economy as money was held up.
The big military helped put $200billionm back and saved us all in USA and UK.
The English world keeps going as in ww2, Vietnam and now. Nixon had a new round and the oil price has given Capital Intensive sectors a big gain against our Norther European genes.

Dr MI Barton MA. MBA.PhD, Oxford, UK

The Brits scaling down and handing the South over to the Iraqis is the only logical step to take. There is no "winning" as the US seem hellbent on trying to achieve. It seems the US has learned nothing from Vietnam. Iraq is an unwinable war. I would like GWB to define what he deems to be victory in Iraq!

Kevin, Wellington, NZ

I only pray that PM Brown will have the guts to clearly and openly come out against the ultimate disaster, a US bombardment of Iran that will truly open the gates of hell, not to mention turning out the lights on the world economy with a massive oil price shock. Closing the Straits of Hormuz is not all that difficult, just a few blasted oil tankers will do the trick.

Tarquinis, Seattle, USA

Can't blame the new British Prime Minister to be smarter than Bush and to have a better vision and intelligence than Bush and his supporters.

Mark, Touri,

Tired of America states:

"Since the Americans always insist on saying "well stop asking for our air support" when we complain about their pilots blowing up our troops. Lets see how they like it when we say "stop asking for our support"."

Can you name any American who has overtly stated, or even implied, that British soldiers should "stop asking for our air support" if they don't like the consequences? We are not that crass. As for British military support, we fully understand that we can't count on you for the long haul. What's a drop in the bucket anyway? When parts of the U.K. slide into Sharia law don't come crying to us though.

Ross, Lander, Wyoming, USA

Why are the americans so suprised we want out of iraq? its a huge waste of resources and our soldiers are dying needlessly in a war that was never ours to fight, and not only being killed by the enemy! i think there reaction to friendly fire incidents is disgusting.... and they still winge that the british public are not supportive of the campaign. Wonder why?

spence, Cheltenham, UK

Excellent news and just the right strategy at just the right time. Many congratulations to Gordon Brown on this momentous move in Iraq. As each day passes we can see the wisdom of Governor Bill Richardson's proposal that all Coalition combat and support troops should be replaced by a Muslim peace-keeping force by this Christmas and the three Iraqi regions given full autonomy with a weak central government. Iraq will have to experience the full rigours of an Islamic theocracy before it eventually, but not inevitably, turns to some form of normative democracy. In the meantime, Coalition forces are not only in harm's way but in the way of irreversible historical and religio-political forces in the Middle East. Well done GB!

Dr David Green, Athens, Greece

Blair decided to put the UK in this war, not the US. It was a decision YOUR leader made. You can't find a way to blame the US simply to justify leaving Iraq. If you weren't going to stay to the end, then why did your leader so strongly push for this war in the first place? I've been reading some of the comments from Brits over the last few weeks, and I get the feeling that the British people are extreemly selfish and uninformed. You guys truely believe that Blair was just some "poodle" of Bush. Ridiculous! Blair was pushing for an invasion of Iraq since back when Clinton was president. You guys really aren't as smart as you think you are.

Alex, Seattle, USA

there were...'a number of secret meetings where the British agreed to a phased release of militants, including known killers.'
What a surprise! No doubt someone has planned a local Assembly for them too.

Peter, Northern Ireland,

Finally, level heads are prevailing in Britain. Donald Rumsfeld was a malignant tumor that devoured the US military. Why have such an inept person destroy two major military powers in one swoop? It is regrettable that so many British and American lives were wasted. The French, like vultures, are picking over the left over carcass (Iraq) looking for a meal. President George Bush was intellectually molested then raped by Cheney and Rumsfeld. George Bush is a good guy but was very naive. The Arabs civil war is inevitable. This will keep everyone busy including the Persians. The Western powers can then sustain a medium level conflict by surrogates that can permanently keep the Iranians preoccupied. It is only a firm forceful hand that these people understand and respect. Do not leave behind important local Iraqis who risked their lives to support the British in Iraq otherwise they will be butchered by the new power in Southern Iraq. Do leave behind an efficient human intel network.

Niwa, Atlanta, GA - USA

To tired of America. What support???

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

Insofar as Britain is 'cutting and running', I'd refer whoever thinks that to your own (former) Secretary of State's opinion: "you break it, you own it". Britain cannot afford to clean up your colossal mess any longer. The best of luck with your military solution.

Joseph Schmoe, Cocomo, FL, US

Perhaps France will finish what the British helped start. It would be a first (in modern time) for France, but with victory in sight this may be a fight they are willing to finish. Europe will be terrorized more than the US if AQ wins in Iraq, likely France would be worse off than the UK. So it is in their interest to step in. UK pride would be dumb struck if France filled the void in Basra, and the French would be brimming doing their part to save Europe, and help their old friends across the pond.

Mike Fox, San Diego, USA, CA

Tired of America, eh? Can't say I blame you but have you stopped to consider the fact that the majority of Americans are just as tired of some of the same things you're tired of as you are?

I have no excuses to offer as to why our 72% majority is being stampeded over by one of the smallest political minorities in our history but it's looking more and more like the bullies are running the schoolyard on pure fear and intimidation.

I applaud the UK's decision to actually get off of Bush's pot and DO something constructive. It's about time you did whatever you have to do to stop the crooks and liars from trying to lead your country around by the nose.

Nofsdad, Visalia, CA, United States

Yet another example of "Great" Britain slinking off tail between their legs. Other examples - India, Israel, Northern Ireland, WWI and WWII (without American manpower and equipment). England survives on American handouts and don't forget it - it's days of world power long, long gone. Now poised to become a minor player in Europe where troop movements will be dictated by a central government rather than Downing Street. Yawn.

Evin Daly, Boca Raton, FL/USA

As neither America nor Britain should have invaded this country in the first place, they should get out immediately. The USA is looking for excuses to permanantly occupy this oil-rich country. In 20 years time, unless of course the oil runs out and in that case the USA will not be interested any more, the politicians will still be saying "this is not the right time to get out". Of course they will have probably invaded Iran as well by then.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

Fred Kagan is a warmonger who always advocates more military answers to problems that require diplomatic effort. Kagan must have a fixation with bombs and other military toys.

Martin Davis, Port Townsend , WA, USA

It would be nice to think that we were doing this as a conscious rejection of the disastrous alliance between Blair and Bush. In fact we are leaving with our tails between our legs as the Americans will do next year. Mission accomplished, anyone?

Tony, Glasgow,

Tired of America, south Yorkshire: Glad my uncles aren't alive to read your post. They came thru there on their way to Europe in WWII.

Lee Cary, New Mexico, USA

The Brits are running. Not a surprise there. All we have to do is go back to capture of your sailors by Iran without consequence. In reponse to Mr. South Yorkshire, we in America are tired of the U.K. It is sad to see how once unseparable allies (U.S. & U.K.) are drifting further and further apart. I don't think people undersatnd just how dangerous this is. What I see is a very unsetteled world thats will get worse, and when things get totally out of control, I can see the West doing nothing. Just remember, Mr. South Yorksire, Russia is in your backyard and have plans for Europe as well as the islamists continuing their quest for more powerful weapons.

Reed, Phoenix, USA

Don't be fooled. Labour is shrewd.

The UK-US tensions are partly staged.

The latest Basra pullback is well-timed.

Make no mistake, a UK General Election is fast approaching.

NM, MK, UK

Oh yes, go home! Why not, it's all too hard isn't it. Go home,have a nice cup of tea ,a bikkie, and things will be OK.
Pity you could not get some of those bender boozing, knife stabbing, kid killing,idiots to go and fight in the middle east instead of good lads.
Yes, 1943 was a long time ago, so worry yourself not about what the Yankee kids, yes kids, did for you lot. Bloody hell they saved us in Aussie too, when you lot threw in the towel in Singapore with hardly a bloody shot fired. Remember, you lot had the guns pointing south.....The Japs came from the north! " Oh sorry old chaps, big mistake!" For God's sake, the Japs were only 10% of your troops there then, and they took you all prisoners.
I was in HK last week and met two US sailors from the carrier in town then and they said, "Hey we hear Aussies love us!".
I said "We are so grateful that if not for you guys we would be Japanese slaves now."
The yanks are not perfect, but where would the world be now without them?

Trevcliffie, Sydney, Australia

I find it deeply annoying that Fredrick Kagan arrogates to himself the right to dictate to the British people what they can and cannot do in Iraq. They can tell Americans what to do but I find it very insulting that they want to order us around as well. Fredrick, his brother Robert and father, Donald, are notorious warmongers who will not hesitate sending other poeple's kids to the killing fields of Iraq and, yet, that Kagan clan lacks enough conviction in the enterprise to send their own military-age relatives to fight in Iraq. The so-called American Enterprise Institute, AEI, is known to be a nest of venomous vipers that care not about America but a country not their own. AEI pushed for the war in Iraq not for America. Perhaps Fredrick can tell us for whose benefit they pushed Iraq. It was neither for oil companies or freedom for Iraqis. Right now they are pushing for war with Iran despite the obvious defeat of the Anglo-American venture in Iraq. Why does Kagan hate the UK?

Tired of Zionist Neocons, Basingstoke, Hampshire

The British terrorists are leaving Iraq! God bless the Iraqi warriors.

Jesus, Basara, Iraq

Good news......

Michaellzheng, Zhejiang, China

Now is not the time for the UK to cut & run from Iraq. With the impending escalation of hostilities between the USA & a nuclear Iran & whilst defending a weakened Iraq against Iranian backed Islamic militants it’s a matter of humanity & honour on the part of the fighters for freedom, ie USA & UK. We must stay & continue to support the USA. Not just in Iraq & Afghanistan as there is a perfidious crusade underway, consisting of systematic attacks by fanatic Muslims, focused on civilians, directed against our free, open Western societies & intent upon Western Civilization's utter destruction. For his stance against the Islamic threat, Bush risks the fall of the dollar, huge amounts of additional national debt, & a massive & persistent burden on the American economy - because unlike almost all of Europe, Bush realizes what is at stake - literally everything. He needed the backing of Blair and now Brown. What else has to happen before the political leadership of the rest of Europe get it?

michael pickles, bournemouth, england

B-Bye!!

gary , austin, TX, USA

Whats the problem.
Getting out is the only sensible option.
Otherwise your troops are sitting ducks and if it isnt the iraqis getting you then the yanks will probably do you with friendly fire.And they dont care the slightest about british troops.
They ARE intellectually bankrupt.
And they would do a deal with the devil if they had to so why cant the brits.
Should never been there in the first place

Jed Grace, naogoya, japan

I see American neo-con Fred Kagan of the American Enterprise Institute said that he couldn't imagine that conditions would be right for the UK to withdraw from Basra next month. That means it must be the right thing to do because the neo-cons are always wrong.

Rich Stewart, Columbus, Ohio, USA

I don't see why this has all become into, all of a sudden, this big "row". The two countries were there in the first place so why can't they just leave together aswell. It's getting a bit pathetic! Nothing anyone they are quoting is saying is even remotely helpful to the situation......work it out. Geez, the US and UK are supposed to be allies, it's ovious, though, everyone wants to believe differently!

Lozza, Brisbane, Australia

Good riddance to Mr Blair, England can get back on track with some common sense

arckitekt, Boston, MA

Since the Americans always insist on saying "well stop asking for our air support" when we complain about their pilots blowing up our troops. Lets see how they like it when we say "stop asking for our support".

Tired of America, South Yorkshire,