Good news from Iraq!

[ProSense]

Iraqis say Basra quieter after British troop pullout

Mon Oct 1, 2007 3:12pm BST

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Residents of Iraq's southern city of Basra have begun strolling riverfront streets again after four years of fear, their city much quieter since British troops withdrew from the grand Saddam Hussein-era Basra Palace.

Political assassinations and sectarian violence continue, some city officials say, but on a much smaller scale than at any time since British troops moved into the city after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

Mortar rounds, rockets and small arms fire crashed almost daily into the palace, making life hazardous for British and Iraqis alike in Iraq's second-largest city. To many Basrans the withdrawal of the British a month ago removed a proven target.

"The situation these days is better. We were living in hell ... the area is calm since their withdrawal," said housewife Khairiya Salman, who lives near the palace.

Civil servant Wisam Abdul Sada agreed. "We do not hear the sounds of explosions which were shaking our houses and terrifying our women and children," he told Reuters.

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Time to withdraw U.S. troops!

[Karmageddon]

1. Must be because the evil-doers are following the Brits home to fight them there instead of in Basra

At least that's what Bush and the fauxnews talking heads will say.

[bemildred]

2. Gosh, who could have predicted this? nt

[O.M.B.inOhio]

3. We tried the surge. Now try withdrawal. Why not?

[RethugAssKicker]

4. Here is the proof that if we withdraw... things in Iraq will get better

NOT WORSE !

[groovedaddy]

5. I guess things won't fall apart after the U.S. leaves either?

They just don't seem to get it: the occupation fuels the insurgency.

[spanone]

6. and the pentagon is bragging that ONLY 62 soldiers killed in sept.

[ProSense]

7. U.S. death toll: Jan to Dec 2006 - 822; Jan to Sep 2007 - 800

U.S. death toll: Jan to Dec 2006 - 822; Jan to Sep 2007 - 800

Estimated death toll after withdrawal: 0

[catmandu57]

9. We have a lot of year left

All it takes is one more outrage to make these numbers skyrocket. Get out now.

[liberal N proud]

8. That is enough evidence for me, Bring our troops home now

[Javaman]

10. This temporary little respite won't last long...

moron* stated that the troops that were sent to Iraq for the "surge" are now going to be sent to basra to replace the british vacuum. Weeee....

[ProSense]

11. Kick! n/t