Pretense of a forced retreat faces Brits in Brasra

Sunday Times:

A MILITARY adviser to President George W Bush has warned that British forces will have to fight their way out of Iraq in an “ugly and embarrassing” retreat.

Stephen Biddle, who also advises the US commander in Iraq, said Iranian-backed Shi’ite militias in the south would try to create the impression they were forcing a retreat. “They want to make it clear they have forced the British out. That means they’ll use car bombs, ambushes, RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades] . . . and there will be a number of British casualties.”

The comments coincide with British military estimates that withdrawal could cost the lives of 10 to 15 soldiers.

Some British officers believe they are facing a “humiliating” retreat under fire to Kuwait or the southern Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.

...

It is possible that the enemy would be this stupid to attempt to attack a departing force, but it would be a huge mistake. What little propaganda value they would get from it would be overwhelmed by the idiocy. The Brits and especially the US have overwhelming firpower that they could bring to bear on the enemy forces that might otherwise be left alone if the Brits leave peacefully.