PRIME Minister Gordon Brown's decision to halve British troop numbers in Iraq and perhaps stage a full withdrawal by next year could increase tensions with the United States but is designed to shore up his authority and popularity at home.
Mr Brown, whose standing was battered after he called off an early election at the weekend, told the House of Commons on Monday that troop numbers would be cut from 5000 to 2500 by about April.
He did not say all troops would be withdrawn, but Ministry of Defence officials said this was possible by the end of next year.
The boost Mr Brown hoped to get from his announcement was in part overshadowed by continuing criticism of his trip last week to Iraq, where he revealed that 1000 troops would be withdrawn by Christmas.
Battered Brown weighs full Iraq withdrawal - World - theage.com.au
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