London – The top U.S. commander in Iraq briefed the United States’ closest ally on the course of the war Tuesday, praising Britain’s plan to give Iraqi security forces control in Basra but warning against leaving the country too soon.
The visit to Britain by Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker comes a week after their testimony to American lawmakers, which cited recent gains in security and a decrease in sectarian killings but warned of little political progress in Baghdad.
“Our assessments underscore the importance of recognizing that a premature drawdown of our forces would likely have devastating consequences not only for Iraq and the region, but for our nations and the world,” Petraeus said.
Speaking before a meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Petraeus constantly praised British forces serving in Iraq. He also offered support for Britain’s plan to give Iraqi security forces control of Basra province this year or early next year.
Brown will outline his plans for British troops in a speech to Parliament next month. British defense minister Des Browne has said there may be some reduction in numbers when soldiers ending current tours are replaced in November and December.
