Iraq: the British endgame

Ever since Blair welcomed The Baker Report and Bush distanced himself from it, there has been a notable difference between the British and American stances on the Iraq war - possibly much more obvious to the British side than it has been to our American counterparts.

However, at a time when Bush is implementing his "surge and accelerate" plan with the deployment of 21,500 additional troops to Baghdad, Tony Blair is expected today to announce the withdrawal of all British troops from Iraq by the end of 2008.

Tony Blair is to announce the moves - the result of months of intense debate in Whitehall - within 24 hours, possibly later today, according to officials.

The prime minister is expected to say that Britain intends to gradually reduce the number of troops in southern Iraq over the next 22 months as Iraqi forces take on more responsibility for the security of Basra and the surrounding areas.

There can be no more obvious difference between the two countries who invaded Iraq than the fact that Blair is announcing withdrawal at the exact time that Bush is calling for reinforcements.

From what I can tell from this side of the pond the war is being perceived very differently on both sides of the Atlantic. In the US it appears still to be the subject of huge debate, with Bill Kristol and others continuing to argue that victory is possible. Over here, even the wars proponents have gone silent, with all agreeing that the war was a disaster.

For MPs who backed the invasion in March 2003 - Conservative ones as well as Labour - the consequences of their vote are obvious and painful. They think nothing can be gained from discussing whether it was right.

So, having lost Berlusconi and Aznar, Bush now - finally - loses Blair.

Even "the poodle" isn't going to stick with Bush as he attempts that last "final push".

Dear George, now officially leader of a coalition of one. Himself.

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Tags: Bush, Iraq war, Blair, British withdrawal