Guardian: US and UK Agree on Iraq Withdrawal Strategy

According to the report, British and American authorities will double the size of the Iraqi police force and establish a new unit that is halfway between the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police, which would allow coalition forces to leave Iraq. US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld reached the agreement with his British counterpart Geoff Hoon last Monday (January 17). The article says the US and the UK plan to form a more aggressive security force to replace coalition forces. The plan is based on recommendations made by retired General Gary Luck who was sent to Iraq last month.

Although the Americans and British have not issued any statement regarding a pull out, the article says London considers the plan to be a top priority. A British Defense Ministry official told the Guardian that Spain and Italy may be asked to help with the training of Iraq forces.