Anthony Barnett (London, OK): As the Bush administration settles in for a long war in Iraq, Bernard Kouchner has added his voice to the chorus of war with Iran. This means that Gordon Brown’s strategy of withdrawal can be seen doubly wise. It is not one for which he will get much credit, as it is already somehow taken for granted. It would be nice to celebrate it! But it is impossible to do so as the Brits are withdrawing under the cover of lies and misleading pieties. Like many, I’d have preferred Brown to have denounced George Bush for recklessness, just as Alan Greenspan, supposedly a Brown confident, has done. But given that Brown’s strategy was never to bust-up the American alliance, if the price for speedy withdrawal is more spin and diplomatic cover wouldn’t you pay it? And isn't it a relief that he has been firm in ordering the pull back from Basra Palace as Bush surged. He has kept the UK as a valued ally but, clearly to the disgust and anger of the President, is getting it out as a military collaborator in the Iraq theatre.
I had assumed that this was simply driven by Brown’s realism and assessment of domestic politics reinforced by the Chiefs of Staff. They seem committed to Afghanistan (which might even be a recruiting call of adventure and wide-open spaces) but are close to open rebellion on Iraq which is destroying morale. One assumes they are now flying as much kit out of Basra airport as they can to ensure that full withdrawal becomes a fait accompli. But I hadn’t realised that they are also getting out as quick as possible to avoid being caught up on the ground or at sea in a conflict with Iran. If the US strikes as described in an alarming article by Gen Wesley Clark in the Washington Post (which I got to thanks to a post by Todd Gitlin, who also lists some of the other warnings) the front line with Iran could be Basra itself. Let's hope it does not happen. But if it does, the UK must not be party to another war of choice. I am pretty sure that Brown has made this call, whatever verbal support he may have to lend he's not going to join the action. Unless 'tommy' gets caught in the middle. So get them out fast.
