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UK Wants Bush Iraqi Drawndown Timetable
Britain is urging America to announce a timetable for withdrawing coalition troops from Iraq over the next 18 months or more. With a new Iraqi government due to take power after next week's elections, The Telegraph has learned that British officials believe the time is ripe for the coalition to announce an "indicative timetable" for its departure. There would no firm deadline and the withdrawal would depend on the gradual ability of Iraq's armed forces to take over responsibility for security — probably not before the middle of next year. Such an announcement would be the first time the coalition had set a clear target for leaving.British officials say that a timetable, however tentative, would signal an exit strategy, bolster the transitional government and undermine the insurgents' claim that America intended to occupy Iraq indefinitely. The Government is hopeful that President George W Bush will agree to make a formal announcement within two or three months. "Giving a timetable would be an important political signal that we intend to leave Iraq," a well-placed Whitehall source said. "The main Iraqi parties are already talking about when coalition forces should be drawn down. America knows it will have to deal with the issue soon." Washington has resisted committing itself to a pull-out date for its 150,000 troops, fearing that it would be seen as a sign of weakness and encourage the gunmen. Cool feet or US impediment to Iran "soft power" play? Posted by: Captain America 2005-01-19 |
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