Americans taking over for Aussies

Americans taking over for Aussies
By Michael Gisick, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, May 8, 2008

They stayed longer than most, but Australian troops in southern Iraq have begun handing over their duties to American soldiers as their country prepares to withdraw its combat forces early this summer.

While about 800 Australian noncombat troops will remain in Iraq, the departure of the 550 soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group marks the latest U.S. ally to leave Iraq or sharply reduce its role amid opposition to the war at home.

Speaking from Tallil Airbase midway between Baghdad and Basra, where the Australian group is stationed, Lt. Col. Chris Websdane called his country’s participation in Iraq a “historical period for the Australian Army” and said his troops felt “privileged to be able to contribute to the coalition effort.”

He said the two southern provinces patrolled by the Australians have made significant progress despite a recent spate of fighting he attributed to the spillover effects of the battle further south in Basra, which he said had been quickly contained.

But polls show that only about one-third of Australians support their country’s presence in Iraq. Following through on a campaign promise, newly elected Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced in December plans to withdraw ground forces.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54620



uhc comment: Largest ally military contingents in Iraq

Britain: 4,000 (plans for further reductions on hold.)
Georgia: 2,000 (indicated plans to stay through 2008.)
Australia: 1,300 (pulling out combat troops next month.)