ANTI-SURGE. The British Army? Not so much on the surging. According to Reuters, Britain will withdraw 2700 of its 7200 strong contingent by May 31. British forces are concentrated in southern Iraq, but in principle could be used anywhere, especially in the context of a major reshuffling of American and Iraqi forces. Also, if the United States is serious about ratcheting up tension with Iran (and we just busted into an Iranian consulate in Irbil), then the areas of British control are likely to see considerable unrest. If the US is doubling down, then it looks like the British are getting ready to leave the blackjack table.
--Robert Farley
