Iraq - The Long Farewell

[AlfredJPruffock]

British forces could begin pulling out of Iraq by next March, a senior defence source has revealed to the BBC.

The UK has been negotiating the legal basis on which its forces can stay when its UN mandate expires at the end of the year.

It still has 4,100 troops in Basra but defence chiefs plan a withdrawal over the next year if Iraqi elections in January pass off peacefully

However troops were unhappy following the Government's announcement that due to financial concerns no further role was envisaged for the troops and in fact the troops would have to fund their own return to the UK.

A Government spokesman commented ''Altough some were unhappy at the prospect of funding their return to the UK others may take this opportunity for a gap year - as there are few jobs back in the UK and in fact Im out out of work from this Monday."

[deano]

Dammit. This is not good enough for our hero's!

We need another war! A proper one, not some messing about in the desert against people who think that a Semtex overcoat and a trampoline makes an effective Anti-Aircraft battery!

Let's invade China. They're getting a bit above themselves and need slapping around a bit.

[Ruprect]

Just in time for a general election I'd've thought...

[AlfredJPruffock]

Dammit. This is not good enough for our hero's!

We need another war! A proper one, not some messing about in the desert against people who think that a Semtex overcoat and a trampoline makes an effective Anti-Aircraft battery!

Let's invade China. They're getting a bit above themselves and need slapping around a bit.

By Jingo - we dont want to fight - but if we do ...

[Purple Dalek]

British forces could begin pulling out of Iraq by next March, a senior defence source has revealed to the BBC.

Not going to happen. It's just some spin for the papers today.

When I read it I immediately started looking for what horror they wanted off the front page.

Possibly it's the story that hundreds of vulnerable children are missing from care homes?

[TimberWolf]

...in fact the troops would have to fund their own return to the UK.

[Purple Dalek]

They could take the bus. Bringing their kit on a flight might be difficult due to customs regulations.

Although they only need take the bus as far as Greece, 'cause I've heard you can get an artillery piece on a flight from Greece.