http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6976250.stm

- So if that was a snide remark from Bush in his speech to US troops, on what right does he, or US policy-makers, have to make such criticisms or remarks?

Wasn't transfering responsibility to native forces the entire point of the sloppy post-war plan? British troops in the south have done a fantastic job in a shitty situation, and as we - rightly - concentrate more troops on Afghanistan, our work in Basra is almost complete.

Now that is a success.

Speaking to reporters earlier, Mr Bush said his top officials had advised him that if current successes continue, security levels could be maintained with fewer troops.Sounds like double speak as a way to justify the fact that we can't physically keep up the presence we have there long term. Um, yeah...hey guys, we've got these new successes see....