Independent UK: (Gordon) Brown plans to withdraw troops as he backs Obama over 'war on terror'

[marmar]

Brown plans to withdraw troops as he backs Obama over 'war on terror'

By Jane Merrick in Basra
Sunday, 20 July 2008


Gordon Brown prepared the ground for a historic realignment in the "war on terror" yesterday by setting out a four-point plan for withdrawal of British troops from Iraq by the end of next year.

Although he is refusing to set a detailed timetable for withdrawal, it is clear Mr Brown is in agreement with the US presidential candidate Barack Obama on the need for military action in Afghanistan to take priority. Both appear to be working to a 16-month timetable.

While Mr Brown addressed troops in Basra and met Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi Prime Minister, the Democratic hopeful arrived in Afghanistan to declare the US mission there to be more important than that in Iraq. Mr Obama is expected imminently in Iraq, and he will continue on to Europe. He will meet Mr Brown in Downing Street on Saturday.

Their approach is a marked departure from the policies of Tony Blair and President George Bush. But it nonetheless carries echoes of the "shoulder-to-shoulder" relationship between Britain and the US – if Mr Obama defeats his Republican rival John McCain in the November election.

Mr Brown, who will detail his plans to the Commons on Tuesday, laid out four conditions for withdrawal: the successful training of the Iraqi army; provincial elections to take place; the economic reconstruction of the country; and finally handing over sole responsibility of Basra airport to the Iraqis. Mr Brown said: "I am not setting an artificial timetable but what I can say is there is very significant progress in all these areas. Then we will reach a conclusion about what troop numbers will be. It is certainly our intention that we reduce troop numbers." ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/brown-plans-to-withdraw-troops-as-he-backs-obama-over-war-on-terror-872388.html

[Bullet1987]

1. WOW! Next week could be horrible for the McJoke campaign

It seems all the leaders are siding with Obama. Despite al-Maliki's people trying to muddy the waters on what he said about Obama's plan.

[babylonsister]

2. I love it! I read Brown was in Iraq meeting w/Maliki, but not this! Bravo! nt

[jefferson_dem]

3. Oh man. The "bunker mentality" is not far off for old McSame.

Thanks PM Brown.

[NightWatcher]

4. article could be titled: Obama Builds Coalition of the No Longer Willing

[marmar]

5. Very good.....

:thumbsup:

[Liberal Veteran]

6. It fascinates me that he already seems to be driving policy.

I can't really recall that happening before election day.

[Bryan]

7. Terrific!

AIUI, this isn't exactly a huge risk for Brown-the war is very unpopular in the UK, and his own popularity is poor enough that he needs a boost wherever he can find it-but it's definitely one in McCain's eye.

[marmar]

9. True....maybe hitching his wagon to Obama can save Brown.

n/t

[Maggie_May]

8. This great news!

[Danger Mouse]

10. Man, McCain is getting SPANKED.

:D