British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently announced plans for the imminent withdrawal of around 1,600 of his country's troops from Iraq over the next few months. The size of the British contingent in Iraq will be reduced from 7,100 to roughly 5,500, and to fewer than 5,000 by the end of the year. Britain's decision has grabbed the world's attention.

As early as 2004, countries began to withdraw their troops from Iraq. Immediately after the Madrid train bombings in March of 2004, the new Spanish government announced it was withdrawing its troops from Iraq immediately. More than 1,300 soldiers left the country within two months. This triggered the first wave of withdrawal from Iraq. Honduras, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, Norway, Thailand, Hungary and other countries had also completely pulled out of Iraq by the end of 2004. Since 2005, Portugal, Poland, the Ukraine, the Netherlands, Italy, Bulgaria, Japan and South Korea have also withdrawn all or part of their forces from Iraq. At the beginning of this year, Slovak launched the first round of withdrawal of 2007. Immediately after Britain announced its plans to call troops home, Denmark declared that it would remove all 460 of its soldiers from Iraq by August. Lithuania will do the same.

Why has Britain's decision caused so much concern?

The United States and Britain have a special partnership. Bush and Blair have a good personal relationship. The United States and Britain often take the same position on international issues, and commonly reach a consensus on action. Britain, in recent times, has been a follower of the United States, particularly in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, almost never leaving it alone. As the most loyal ally to the United States, Britain has defied problems and danger, never hesitating to help.

In the name of anti-terrorism, the American and British governments have ignored public opinion at home and abroad and not hesitated to initiate conflict. However, this has had the opposite effect to that desired. Iraq, the main arena of the 'war on terror', is in chaos. As a result, Bush has recently announced his decision to increase the US' military presence in Iraq by 20,000.

On this occasion, Blair, Bush's 'buddy', has announced that Britain, the US' 'loyal ally', will withdraw troops from Iraq rather than commit more. Why?

Since the United States announced its 'war on terror', the British have been in a quagmire. The country shoulders a heavy burden morally and financially, and its image has been damaged. Moreover, it has also paid a high price for domestic security. Complaints about Blair from all sectors are frequent. In addition, Blair has been involved in a number of scandals. His rate of public support has dropped lower and lower and the Labor Party's popularity has plummeted. Some analysts believe that Blair's major concern is that the United States military will advance even further into the Middle East, which would put the British into an even more dangerous situation. Withdrawal from Iraq as early as possible has not been guaranteed, but it might be a wise decision for Britain, Blair, and his Labor Party.

Although Bush was informed of Britain's plan in advance, and the United States has said it 'understands' Britain's decision, how will it fill the vacancy left by the British? Will US troops eventually fight alone? The answers to all these questions remain unknown.

By People's Daily Online