Mixed verdict on US mission in Iraq

Updated 16.04 Wed Dec 12 2007

Keywords: Gordon Brown, George Bush, US Commander General David Petraeus, Iraq

America's top General in Baghdad has claimed that military objectives in Iraq are "in large measure being met".

US Commander General David Petraeus delivered his assessment of the US presence in Iraq to politicians in Washington in a speech billed as the most significant insight into the current state of play.

Despite the upbeat tone, Gen Petraeus, who has overseen the surge strategy which has seen an extra 30,000 soldiers deployed to the front line said improvements were "uneven across Iraq"

Despite the upbeat tone, General Petraeus, who has overseen the surge strategy which has seen an extra 30,000 soldiers deployed to the front line said improvements were "uneven across Iraq".

But he added that if Iraqi security forces continued to "shoulder more of the load", the US will be able to reduce troop levels to pre-surge levels by next summer.

The General announced his findings as Downing Street denied reports of a fresh rift with America over Iraq.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman dismissed remarks by the commander of British forces in Iraq, who said the UK's departure from Basra Palace last week was delayed for five months because of US pressure.

Brigadier James Bashall, the commander of 1 Mechanised Brigade, said that the move could have come as early as April, following the successful completion of the six-month security clampdown codenamed Operation Sinbad.

The following months have seen UK troops in Basra come under sustained attack, with more than 1,500 mortar rounds fired at the base, 11 soldiers killed and 62 wounded.

The 550 men of 4 Rifles finally quit their last stronghold in the city last Monday, withdrawing under cover of darkness to Basra Air Station and handing over the palace site to Iraqi Government forces.