Interesting tidbit from the Guardian.
Brown signals Iraq troops withdrawal
This can only bode well, if solid, for Obama's visit to the U.K.
The Guardian notes:
In a Commons statement, the prime minister heaped praise on the work of British soldiers and insisted the security situation in Basra had been "transformed".
"We will continue to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq," Brown said.
"Just as last year we moved from combat to 'overwatch', we would expect a further fundamental change of mission in the first months of 2009 as we make the transition to a long term bilateral partnership with Iraq, similar to the normal relationships which our military forces have with other important countries in the region."
Though not specific in date Brown's statement sounds like he's listening to what Obama is saying:
Today Brown held back from giving an "artificial timetable" for troop withdrawals but gave the impression that progress is such that a withdrawal is possible within two years.
As more leaders speak in terms that agree with Obama's position and withdraw themselves from the warmongering of the GOP McCain will find him further boxed in as a 'radical'.
Diplomacy, and speaking to adults as adults, may be on the horizon. Good for the United States, Good for the World.