Basra – News Stories About Basra - Page 3

Sep 3, 2007 7:59 AM CDT

British Troops Pull Out Of Basra

UK ready to hand over city to Iraq army

(Newser) - British troops yesterday began pulling out of the center of Basra as they prepared to hand over control of the southern port city to the Iraqi army. A small UK force of about 500, which had been headquartered in Saddam Hussein's former palace, moved to Basra's airport, reports the Guardian....

Top Military Brits Bash US

Sep 2, 2007 10:34 AM CDT

Top Military Brits Bash US

Iraq strategy called 'bankrupt,’ Rumsfeld roasted

(Newser) - Two British officers instrumental to the country’s role in Iraq have lambasted the US strategy there, with one calling the policies “fatally flawed.” The chief of post-war planning and the head of the army during the 2003 invasion took their criticisms to the press this weekend as...

US Rattled by Brit Pullout Plans

Aug 8, 2007 4:51 AM CDT

US Rattled by Brit Pullout Plans

Withdrawal schedule expected this fall

(Newser) - The White House is increasingly concerned about the timing of the British troop pullout from Iraq, expected to be announced by PM Gordon Brown in October, the Guardian reports. About 5,000 British troops remain in the Basra area, where they' have already withdrawn to an area around the city's...

As Brits Leave, Basra Crumbles

Aug 7, 2007 9:31 AM CDT

As Brits Leave, Basra Crumbles

Former success story turns sour

(Newser) - The southern Iraqi port of Basra was once hailed as a success for coalition troops, but as British forces pull out, the city is devolving into violent conflict typical of Baghdad. Loose political parties and criminal gangs, which the remaining Brits are powerless to control, are fighting to dominate the...

Iraqis Go on Alert as Mammoth Badgers Stalk City

Jul 13, 2007 7:02 AM CDT

Iraqis Go on Alert as Mammoth Badgers Stalk City

Locals blame British troops for badger invasion

(Newser) - Badgers have invaded Basra, Iraq, spurring fears of a man-eating monster on the loose in the port city. Despite Iraqi scientists' assurances that the creatures are not dangerous to humans, locals demonize the oversized carnivores and blame British troops for for unleashing them. The badgers "don't stalk humans and...

Iran Extends Hand Into Southern Iraq

May 19, 2007 7:13 PM CDT

Iran Extends Hand Into Southern Iraq

Foreign militias threaten tenuous stability in Basra area

(Newser) - The southern Iraqi city of Basra is under the control of an array of private militias, some of which have strong ties to Iran, the Guardian reports. Factions like "God's Revenge" mete out patronage and enforce a fragile order in Iraq's second-largest city at the behest of competing warlords...