Iraq had no lofty goals,it was appallingly conducted and Afganistan is a mess, precisely because we listened to Americans whose arrogance and ignorance are a very bad combination.Don't tell me MrPortillo that we have something to learn from them, their draw is their money,like a mean rich relative

john Kilcock, Lewes,

@ Mike FW

Deposed a leader who repeatedly undermined international law, and sent a stern warning to other rogue states?

perhaps only the first part is applicable, despite it being achieved through way that go against the principle of international law.

gk, norwich, norfolk

I don't understand what we are supposed to have achieved. we killed more than Saddam did, we destabilized the region, the war probably contributed to the credit crunch and it distracted the west from dealing decisively with Afghanistan.
what have we gained by this - someone, anyone?

Mike FW, Porth, United Kingdom

Right now that's done, lets finish Afghanistan.

p.s. El Gordo, more money for defence please.........

Mike, MK,

@Charles Moy: War on Terror?? Check your facts. Read The War on Truth by Neil MacKay

David, Zurich,

I wish to thank our friends in the British Military for standing with us in the fight against terrorism.

You did well & I am proud to call you friends.

Charles Moy, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Let us NEVER AGAIN let our governments abuse the goodwill of our soldiers. I am ashamed that we sent our boys into harms way for no other reason than to satisfy the pockets of big business and politicians. No WMD, No link to 9/11. Our government broke international law and destabalized the world

Mike, London,

the sun has set on British fortitude, a trend long set, as exemplified by Lennon who remarked "Lots of people who complained about us receiving the MBE received theirs for heroism in the war—for killing people. We received ours for entertaining other people. I'd say we deserve ours more".

john, waterville, USA

There is absolutely nothing humiliating in withdrawing, rather that and stay just to save face, for what, to lose more of our boys lives defending a country not worth the bother!

william thomson, lincoln, u k

From an American veteran of the Iraq war I wish to say this, Thank you to our brothers from the UK. When ever we have stood together we have accomplished our objectives. When ever we have stood apart we have failed. I always found it a comfort to see our British and Aussie allies standing with us

Don, Kirkuk,

Let us be clear - this wretched government and the EU are only here for the moment of their self applause.

Our brave and courageous troops, so sadly let down by these tinpot leaders, will find themselves diverted to Afghanistan quicker than you can say Nu Labour. ( with even less protection )

Peter , Midlands, UK

Our humiliation was Basra, left for the US to clear up. Asymmetrical wars bound one side by PC the other seventh century notions are bound to fail. The US surge was the answer, look at images of once lawless areas now! However one can't help be touched by the many US readers who regard us as heroes.

logdon, stockport, england

I for one am proud of GWB's reaction time. He moved to his left and looked like Ali slipping a left hook from Henry Cooper forty years ago.
Seriously, THANK YOU G.B. for a job well done. Together we waged the most humane and careful anti-insurgency ever conducted for the good of the Iraqi people.

Ralph Donabed, Jupiter, FL, United States

I for one am proud of GWB's reaction time. He moved to his left and looked like Ali slipping a left hook from Henry Cooper forty years ago.
Seriously, THANK YOU G.B. for a job well done. Together we waged the most humane and careful anti-insurgency ever conducted for the good of the Iraqi people.

Ralph Donabed, Jupiter, FL, United States

The media loves to shame the US and Britain at any opportunity. Is there any way Britain or US can leave Iraq that won't be portrayed as a humilating defeat? Ask a South Korean if they would rather be living in North Korea, a west berliner if they would prefer the East. Britain should be proud.

marc, Seattle,

There is no humiliation in Britian's withdrawl from Iraq. The government of that country believes it has achieved stability and no longer wants to be occupied. Bring the boys home to refit and rest for there shall be another conflict where freedom will be threatened and our sacrafice is needed.

Don Char, Denver, Colorado, USA

God Bless and keep the British people and their Queen. Thanks.

Yankee, Mt Bedford, USA

You forfeited Basra when it was critical to hold it.
Iran won, Britain was defeated.
British political manueverings are the cause of this. Not the Iraqi regime, not the Americans but fools in suits who supposedly represent Britain. You get what you vote for as the Americans are about to find out.

Rowana, Wellington, NZ

I would have hurled a banana cream pie right back at that cry-baby al-Baghdadia reporter. Now that is REAL humiliation.

Stand tall, Estonia ... and keep up the good fight.

Oh, and Peter Berman, I hope a pen explodes in your pocket and ruins your new white shirt!

(Victor Dooley: HI HO SILVER)

K. A. Gardner, Jacksonville, USA

Humiliating? Nonsense. This protocol for withdrawal simply reflects the number of combat troops remaining. Britain has already completed most of this work.

Most Britons are aware of the pre-conditions that allow the free world to live as it does. Billions the world over salute you. As do I.

Joe, New York, US

'“It is the farewell kiss, you dog,” Muntazer al-Zaidi, from the Cairo-based al-Baghdadia channel, said, before security staff took him away'.

Took him away where? Those who say the journalist would have been killed under Saddam overlook that we don't know what has really happened to him.

Tom Welsh, Basingstoke,

The British Government and the media that supports it are not on the same planet as the peoples of these islands or its wonderful armed forces.

The only humiliation is the way Gordon Brown and his minions have treated our service personnel both on the front line and on their return home. Despicable and dishonourable would just about sum up the UK government.

An armed force capable of the defence of this realm has been off this Socialist Governments agenda from the get go, an unnecessary expense, and a hindrance. Gordon Brown just wants to squeeze them out of existence.

Ian Bryan, Reading,

To our cousins from across the pond, thank you for your kind remarks. It was an honour and a pleasure to serve alongside you. We have always fought the good fight, together. As we will no doubt do again.
Its a pity we have a weak goverment. We march up the hill and back down again.

Mark, Newbury, UK

Britain is a most honorable ally, all America salutes her.

Sean, Orlando, Florida

"USA 19 comments UK 3 comments
This level of interest from the USA over the views represented here and from the UK says most about this issue.

Graham Tapper, Kenton, UK"

More Americans visit The Times web site than Britons. Check Alexa or Quantcast. Your assertion is false.

Joe, New York, US

I really want to thank everyone from the US who has shown their gratitude for our forces support in Iraq. I hope this is not the last time that we will stand together against Tyrannical regimes. Thanks again and in particular Thank you to the Brave Warriors of the US.

Dan Mahil, Nottingham, United Kingdom

From the majority of comments from USA I find it reassuring that the average American person still has a lot of time for the Brits.

Most people that I work and socialise with would have preferred to sign an economic agreement with the Americas and Aussies/NZ,

We are going nowhere with the Eu

Doug, Sunderland, UK

Somebody asked when we (the USA and UK) were going to bring freedom to China - could we start with England, where we have an unelected foreigner as PM, opposition MPs are arrested without search warrants, the state spies on you constantly and our economy is that of a banana republic?

Dave, Slough,

Its all well and good praising our soldiers,they did nothing wrong.The fact is that this war was based on lies and propaganda and we lost our moral highground by being involved.We achieved nothing at a cost of hundreds of billions.Money that right now would have helped us through the recession.

Kevin, London, England

Whether or not going to Iraqi or Afghanistan was a good decision. From my part I will always support the troops they go and they act professionally, where politicians act as politicians (which does not means necessessarily with honour). Leaving Iraq is not disonourable, the B.troops did their job.

AL, Chelmsford, uk

"The only shame is on those, who choose not to stand shoulder to shoulder, and support those who have served a just and noble cause. " says Mr Drew of San Diego.
Living in France, I can report that the French are gutted about missing out on this war. Looks like you guys (Blairism) had lots of fun.

Hugo, La Rochelle, France

Why is it called humilitation? It is normal for the UK soldiers to get back home if Iraq is a free country now.
I for one certainly do not understand why the UK Government sent it's soldiers to fight so far away.
One goes to war to fight for its own territory .

C Simhadri, Milton Keynes, UK

Why is this a humiliating withdraw? I for one as an American commend and thank the Brits for their support...and if this is there chance to get out, then who cares how they get out so long as they get to go home!

Paul, NE, USA

The Brits should not feel humiliated, they were right in there with the US and served well! I think everyone has to understand the whacko mentality of any arab/muslim nation, there never is any logic. Wait till Obama pulls our troops out and watch Iraq fall apart, even quicker with the UN in there.

Hoots, Michigan, USA

Why, why, is it that Britain will never learn its lessons from history?? this is the second humiliating withdrawal of britain from iraq - witness kut al amara in 1916. Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it .

JR, Bangalore, India

You neo-cons should realize the war is ending not because of liberal agenda, but because of lack of funds. The federal reserve has spent us into defenseless retreat. Start blaming the FED and you will get your war.... I will be there to stop you from your pre-emptive antics.

rob, san diego, usa

Rubbish, I think that the British forces have triied to do the right thing, and to say they are having a humiliating withdrawl is again
rubbish. I'm not saying that going into Iraq was thte right thing to do, but they have made Iraq a better place for the future.

sidney Carr, San Diego , United States

Ironic that if this were Saadam, this reporter would have had his throat slit in the assembly room.

The fact is that becasue of George Bush, this reporter has this freedom, which he exercised to go after George Bush, LOL.

Let them live the ashes, and lets get out of there.

Cleetis, Hillsbilly,

Brits, thank you for expanding freedom in the world.

Matthew, Jacksonville, FL, USA

There's nothing humiliating about having served honorably in combat in the defense of freedom. Here in the USA we are very appreciative of our allies' sacrifices in this long war against Islamic Fascism. Thanks to the British soldiers and families for their service and heroism.

Ernest McDermon, Snellville, GA, USA

British soldiers deserve a more honorable exit. The politicians and high officers who commanded them do not. Nor do the British people. They will view this humiliation of their brilliant lads as a victory. Sad times indeed.

david b, Swindon, UK

If British and US forces went into IRAQ to liberate people and bring democracy than:
When they will liberate Cinese and bring democracy there?
When will they Liberate and Bring democracy to Yangoon (Burma)?
When will they Liberate North Koreans and bring democray there?
Answer: NEVER

Sam, New York,

What's humiliating about leaving a war started inauspiciously and going downhill from there? The only thing humiliating about it is how long it took Britain to 'get it.' I can only hope the U.S. is next, and soon.

Michael, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

You better hope to God that this works out for Iraq. You right wingers are far gone.....

Michael , Milwaukee, United States

The humiliation will be soon when Obama and his democrat party turn tail and run for home. That will be the signal for the real war in the Middle East. Just like "the piece of paper with the fuehrer’s signature on it", waved by the fool from England was the signal for the big war in Europe. Soon the fool of tomorrow come January will signal the start of the real war.

Moe Soto, Manchester, WA, USA

We Yanks appreciate you Brits more than you know. God bless every one, particularly those families that will have an empty seat at their Christmas table due to the loss of a loved one in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
By the way, will the real Islam please stand up and condemn Mumbai?

Boffo, Austin, USA

Hooah to the British! You are the best of allies.
-OIF Vet

Gary, Seattle, USA

Where do these "Americans" come from on this blog? They are completely detached from reality, and most Americans would disagree with these right-wing nuts.

America is not an empire, and most Americans--Republican and Democrat--oppose an imperial foreign policy. It is time to come home!

Bill, Corona, USA

The shoe-chucking Jihadist (oops, I mean reporter) was no doubt an Saddam lover who misses the good ol' days of rape rooms and mass genocide.

There is a word to describe societies who loose the will to fight for freedom: enslaved.

Parker, Seattle, USA

I don't give a tinkers cuss how we get out all we need to do is get out.

I believe we need to be shot of the ungrateful Iraqi government and people.

David, Dubai, UAE

Why is it regarded as humiliating. We went to do a job. we did it. Our soldiers gave their lives for the cause. Now we can come home. Why should we want to have a "presence" there like the Americans...

Hamad Lone, London, England

USA 19 comments UK 3 comments
This level of interest from the USA over the views represented here and from the UK says most about this issue.
Had Iraq been investing in USA discredited banks, more might have been achieved than has by the invasion.
Instead the UK is hurting more than Iraq.

Graham Tapper, Kenton, UK

It is indeed a job well done. Her Majesty's Armed Forces have served in an exceptional capacity and with the utmost of honour and dignity as have the US Armed Forces. The only shame is on those, who choose not to stand shoulder to shoulder, and support those who have served a just and noble cause.

Gerald Drew, San Diego, USA

Why is it humiliating to be grouped with the small nation of Estonia,which suffered sixty years of Soviet Dictatorship and is now contributing its troops to save others from the same fate?
The British Empire is no longer with us Deborah.

Tony Loorparg, Waikanae, New Zealand

I thank the Brits for their humane and tough character, something not understandable to the Euro-weaklings of the world including some posters here. I'm a teacher in Cal, USA, where many Iraqi students came and told of horrors the liberal weaklings can only imagine upon 'other people'. Yea Brits!

Miguel, Sacramento, USA

God bless Britan and the USA for what they have accomplished. When you do the right thing it is seldom you get accolades but we did what was right (mistakes acknowledged).

John Glover, Kalaheo, USA

There is nothing humiliating in how the British served or how they will depart. They played a key role in the success in bringing democracy to what was once a brutal dictatorship.

Donnie McGean, Maui, Hi

According to some estimates the reign of Mr. Saddam Hussein cost the lives of between two and three million Iraqi citizens. Two million people during 24 years comes to somewhere around 2100 people a week, making the rounded figure about 300 people killed every single day in Iraq for 24 years.

Peter Skold, Stockholm, Sweden

Some really marvellous comments from our American allies here. Thank you for being so gracious and kind. Certainly the word 'humiliating' is not one I would have used. We did our bit and now we can concentrate on Afghanistan.

kirk, Rotherham, UK

Um...what about all the people who were killed under Hussein? Iraq is free because of Bush. As for the women and children...there would be less deaths had the terrorists fought a "normal" war mano a mano. Nope...hid in houses. Couldn't be bothered with the common people.

Christopher, North Edwards, CA. , USA

The Brits can walk away and be welcomed home with their heads held high and proud. They have this American's respect and admiration for their sacrifices as well as their accomplishments. Three Cheers for British Forces!!

Jack Callahan, NW Montana, USA

Is it not great that he can hurl his shoes without the fear of death. I did not support the Iraqi war until now. Now I realize that freedom has won. The fact that he could do this is wonderful. If he had expressed his displeasure in the Saddam era he would now be hanging from a light pole.

RGB, Minneapolis, USA

Regardless of wether or not the war in Iraq was justified only time will tell. As to the commitment of the British Military, I would personally like to thank the British for their steadfastness and sacrifice. It is much appreciated by the majority of Americans.

John Kerr, Kula, United States

It should be noted that had the reporter thrown shoes during Saddams reign he would have never seen another day.
This is specifically why we should focus our efforts at home. To hell with the rest of the world. Be strong at home and if the scum comes calling destroy them all every single one.

Robert of the former USA, US, USA

What's the big deal? There is nothing embarrassing about this. This is an American problem; we should get the other countries out of here right away now that Iraq is mostly stabilized. We owe Great Britain and other countries gratitude for aiding us in the first place.

Mike Johnson, Wisconsin, USA

Humiliating? How? I think the Brits have performed in great ways and should be very proud of thier contribution to delivering the conditions for liberty to millions people.

Matt, Detroit, USA

God bless the Brits who have served so nobly in this great last attempt to pull the mideast into the present century.
Unfortunatly for us at Home and in Britian the communists and Socailists took over while we were away winning a war.

Steve, Atlanta, United States

This article is going to sell lots of newspapers! Deborah you must be packing your bags and scrambling to get out under threat of Baghdad falling! You better get out now before it all caves in on you!

To tell the truth, I feel sorry for you.

Michael dymott, Kernersville, USA

British forces returning to their loved ones and families after their heroic efforts far from home should be greeted with cheers. It is regrettable if the documents detailing their return home don't seem to fully reflect the admiration that many in England and the US have for their service.

Jim Holiday, College Station, TX, USA

Every American that supported our troops in Iraq supports the brave men and women of the British Armed Forces who were there along side our soldiers. We understand and appreciate the sacrifice and friendship of the British and will never forget who stood by us, and when.

Anthony Graves, Charlotte, USA

A salute to British contributions to the future of Iraq. While your troops have served well, you politicians (and many of your most outspoken citizens) sought to cast their efforts in the worst of light possible. The only disgrace lies with those who sought to undermine the efforts in Iraq.

Tony Jackson, Seattle, WA

Peter from the UK, I suppose it never occurs to you what size shoes Saddam wore...? I wonder what happened to 'bulldog' fighting spirit and desire for freedom that once characterised the British? Sadly, your response is all too typical of what passes for intelectual opinion in this sad country.

Andrew, London, UK

My my, Iraq surely is a better place now. Imagine if that reporter had thrown those shoes at Saddam ...

Brock Cusick, Montclair, USA

Our thanks to the Brits that supported us. For their sakes we'll step up again the next time the Germans get a wild hair. The rest of you can go pound sand.

Eric, Park City, USA

Incidentally: Despite the fact that most of the coalition nations have long since left Iraq there are still 18 countries represented.

Whatever happened to "unilateral"?

Eric, Park City, USA

If Britain's withdrawal from Iraq is a "humiliation", then a humiliation of Britain is what the anti-war Left has desired from Day One. Fact is, the war is essentially over and Iraq's democratic government can basically stand on its own now thanks in part to Britain's involvement. Job well done.

David123, Boerne, Texas, USA

The British military is a tough, honorable, and highly respected force -- one of the best in the world. The UK should always be proud of their armed forces and never humiliated. Most of us in the US have great respect for our best friend across the Atlantic. I hope we will always stand together.

K.L. Hultman, Wisconsin, USA

The attack Iraq occurred on false pretenses against the wishes of British voters.

Finally we are out.

Iraq isn't asking for reparations, that we be evicted from the UN for violating our signature on UN agreements, or that Blair be prosecuted in the ICC.

Let us not look a gift horse in the mouth

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada (expat UK)

I agree, the American people do respect and appreciate the commitment of the British military, leaders, and people in helping the United States. If the Iraqi's don't appreciate it, if they have problems with Iran and others they can take care of it themselves and don't ask for help. They won't get it.

teresa, Dallas, USA

My thanks to the British Military and the British people.

Allan M. Maughan, Providence, Utah, USA

Why is this humiliating?

Joe, Chongqing,

I second David's comments.

The continued classlessness from the constantly opposed should strengthen the resolve of those with a broader understanding of the region.

BMH, Arlington, USA

There is no humiliation here. Silly headline.

The UK has supported Iraq's struggle for some kind of post Saddam democracy with its blood and treasure.

Time now to let the Iraqis look after themselves.

UK soldiers have done well and Britons should be proud.

Makes sense to me.

Expat 44, Mersin , Turkey

The troops went in against the wishes of the British people so Blair could play tonto to Bush's Lone ranger. Their coming home is long overdue, whatever the circumstances.

Victor Dooley, Paisley, Scotland

Had the reporter thrown he shoes at Saddam, he'd already be dead. That he had the freedom to throw his shoes is an ironic indicator that democracy has truly arrived in Iraq.

The angry liberal press of the world can spin it anyway they want- but Bush actually achieved what he set out to do.

Big Jim Slade, San Marino, CA, USA

I see nothing humiliating in the courageous contributions of the British military participating in the enforcement of United Nations resolutions against Sadam Hussein and the liberation of 25 million Iraqis. Well done men.

David, Minneapolis, USA

Thanks from America to the British people for helping bring democracy to a tough part of the world. The British troops can hold their heads high, unlike that punk reporter who throws shoes like a girl.

John Norton, St. Louis, USA

God bless each and every Brit serving in Iraq - and thank you!

Brian, Murrysville, USA

Peter Berman,

Fortunately your country has real men who provided opportunity for the Iraqi people to have freedoms they have not had for many years. Unfortunately due to the wimps of the world, their freedoms may be brief.

May democracies of the world prevail w/ freedom and education for all!

Chip Wilhide, Mansfield Ctr., CT, USA

Well, you free them from Saddam. And then they send you home....

I am afraid the real trouble will start as all foreign troops have left Iraq. Probably the country will fall apart. Will we tell the Kurds to stay in Iraq if we allow Kosovo to split from Serbia?

Ron, Amsterdam, Holland

What a fitting end to Blair's folly just as the journalist who threw his shoe at Bush said all that was needed about the President's ignominious role in the whole fiasco.

Peter Berman, Taunton, UK

I see nothing humiliating about Britian's withdrawal from Iraq. Just another liberal wish list.

Jack Lee, Columbia, MD, USA

The American people respect and honor the commitment of the British Military and the British people in aiding the United States in freeing 25 million people in Iraq.

Pax Americana

David Hinz, Munith, USA