First Brits announce withdrawal from Iraq, Now Denmark

Blair announced yesterday that there would be a staged withdrawal from Iraq. Here's the AP on it:

Blair to announce Iraq withdrawal plan
By DAVID STRINGER, Associated Press Writer
38 minutes ago



Britain will withdraw nearly half its troops from Iraq by the end of the year if local forces can secure the southern part of the country, Prime Minister Tony Blair planned to announce Wednesday.

Around 1,500 of Britain's 7,000-strong force will return home shortly, a British government official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak before Blair's statement. Britain has long been America's biggest coalition partner in Iraq.

Another coalition member, Denmark, was also expected to announce plans to begin withdrawing its troops from Iraq, Danish media reported. Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen had earlier said he hoped Denmark would begin scaling back its 460-troop contingent this year, without setting a precise timetable.

Blair's office said the British leader would make a statement on Iraq and the Middle East to Britain's parliament following his weekly House of Commons questions session. It would not disclose the content.

But the official said Blair planned to outline a strategy which would leave about 4,000 British soldiers in southern Iraq by the end of 2007 if the security there is sufficient.

So why can't we do the same thing? Why can't we do what Murtha has been saying for awhile? Pull out and give the Iraqi government a chance to take over.

And the odd thing is, Bush is praising what Blair has announced. Why? Why is he praising what Blair is doing but "stay the course" for America?

What a mess this admin has created. And still they cannot admit a mistake.

UPDATE from Think Progress:
Don’t forget Lithuania. Lithuania is “seriously considering” withdrawing its 53 troops from Iraq, a Defense Ministry spokeswoman said Wednesday. “It was the first time that Lithuania, a staunch U.S. ally, indicated it would reduce its commitment in Iraq.”