In 2003, British and American troops penetrated Iraq from the bottom and controlled it throughout a violent and bloody struggle over the last six years. But today, in a pleasing climax to the lengthy affair, British troops withdrew, leaving a hole to be filled by Americans.
Unfortunately there were many British losses, leading some commentators to suggest that they used inadequate protection. The head of the British forces Colonel Helmet said "We came here with one thing on our minds. And when you come somewhere like this, some of your boys are always going to get lost. But the main thing is that we made it all the way. We have trained up the Iraqi troops and hopefully some of our talent has rubbed off on their cervices. So now we're a bit tired and need to withdraw."
Iraqis are reported to be sweaty and breathless with excitement at the thought that their country might be free from invaders. The withdrawal has sent shudders through an already shaky Iraq.
