didn't know Basra was being hit that much. I think Britain has been very good about holding up its end of the special relationship. ( spoken, of course, as one of the most Anglophile of Americans <g> ) and with friends you realize that many times they have to do things for their own reasons.

Besides, we still owe you for 1939-41

>I just thought there may be some resentment over there for our throwing in the towel. After all it's costing us a fortune (not compatred with the US budget, of course) and most of teh attacks have been on our troops. It's like just sending them out as skeet-shoot targets, till they're all gone, and the Iraqis earn a teddy. What's the point?
>
>>I think historic credentials are quite sufficient that England never be put in the column marked "cheese eating surrender monkeys" <g>
>>
>>I do think we have a great deal to learn from our cousins about running an empire without making too much of a mess.
>>
>>>>>I'm surprised to see no-one's had a pop at us "give up monkeys" for vacating Basra.
>>>>>
>>>>>It'll be interestuing to see if the violence now abates (I think c. 90% of attacks were against Tommy and the base was under attack most of the time).
>>>>>
>>>>>I've an idea that GW is keeping a weather eye on proceedings, now that he's hinted that there may be a reduction in GIs.
>>>>>
>>>>>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article2368539.ece
>>>>>
>>>>>Let's hope we all withdraw and save any more of our lads from buying it, both armies.
>>>>
>>>>I believe Aegis Defence Services still has the largest contract in Iraq and HART and ArmorGroup are still there so I don't think the sun is setting on that part of the empire. <s>
>>>
>>>Well I didn't know of their existence before now, can find LOADS of citations for HART (like English town organisations) and Armor Group are international.
>>>
>>>>
>>>>( wouldn't be at all surprised if a few SAS are still running around Anbar as well )