UK withdrawal shows progress in Iraq war?

Vice President Cheney says the UK’s withdrawal plans are “a sign of progress in Iraq.” Juan Cole responds:

This is a rout, there should be no mistake. The fractious Shiite militias and tribes of Iraq’s South have made it impossible for the British to stay. They already left Sadr-controlled Maysan province, as well as sleepy Muthanna. They moved the British consulate to the airport because they couldn’t protect it in Basra. They are taking mortar and rocket fire at their bases every night. Raiding militia HQs has not resulted in any permanent change in the situation. …

Blair is not leaving Basra because the British mission has been accomplished. He is leaving because he has concluded that it cannot be, and that if he tries any further it will completely sink the Labor Party, perhaps for decades to come.

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/02/21/uk-withdrawal-shows-progress-in-iraq-war/

Blair to Draw Down British Troops
http://www.juancole.com/2007/02/blair-to-draw-down-british-troops-tony.html

a snip from the guardian
"Lately, they (the British troops) were not helping the stability of the security situation in Basra," he added. "On the contrary, their constant conflicts with the anti-British groups here was simply contributing to a negative impact among the public."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2018162,00.html

I have to admit the stink of desperation has been permeating everything the right has said in the last week or so. I love watching them squirm.

When they make a wilderness, they call it peace.

-- Tacitus, Agricola