British government rejects claim that redeployment of troops in Iraq woul

[Judi Lynn]

British government rejects claim that redeployment of troops in Iraq would be to boost Bush ahead of election
By Ed Johnson, Associated Press, 10/18/2004 04:23


LONDON (AP) Prime Minister Tony Blair's government on Monday rejected claims from opposition lawmakers that a redeployment of British troops in Iraq would be a political show of support for the Bush administration before U.S. presidential elections.

Amid media reports that Britain is considering sending a reserve battalion of some 650 soldiers to Baghdad, some lawmakers believe a redeployment in such a dangerous area would be a political gesture.

Britain's Ministry of Defense has confirmed that U.S. commanders have asked for British troops to be repositioned, but stress that no decision has yet been made. Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon was scheduled to make a statement to the House of Commons on the subject later Monday.

Blair's close friend and Cabinet colleague Lord Falconer said Monday a decision would be ''entirely not political.''
(snip/...)

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/292/world/British_government_rejects_cla:.shtml

[R Hickey]

1. Why don't the Brits replace all our troops.

The British were always better with colonies than we Yanks ever were.

[DoYouEverWonder]

2. 650 troops certainly isn't enough to do any real good

on the ground. The only thing it could be is a political gesture. Seems see Tony is still the poodle.

[acmavm]

3. And what would blair say to the families of anyone of them if they were

killed? Sorry just won't cut it. He's gotten by on I feel your pain but it was the right thing to do for far too long. Just like the dolt that got the world into this mess.