London
The British government announced this week that it would begin substantially reducing its 7,200-member force in Iraq. "I do not believe it is right to give precise numbers," said Defense Minister Des Browne. "But I can tell you that by the end of the next year, I expect numbers of British forces in Iraq to be significantly lower—by a matter of thousands." Browne said the reduction depended on the Iraqi government's taking over security in British-held areas. Also this week, Poland announced that it would withdraw its remaining 900 soldiers by the end of 2007.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.