Guided tours - Business Standard

Intrepid travellers are once again trickling into Iraq.

If you don’t mind braving the threat of daily suicide bombings and kidnappings, and the hassle of wading through innumerable security checkpoints, Iraq is back as a tourist destination. Though you still might not be able to sit down for a cup of tea at a roadside cafe, the Iraqi government has thrown open its various religious and historical sites, including some on the UN’s World Heritage list, after a lull of almost six years. And tourists have started trickling in. The month of March saw the first-ever tour group travel through Iraq from south to north.

Baghdad: Divided by the Tigris river, it is a mix of grand old mosques, structures built in Saddam’s reign and traditional Arab souks. Here you can start sampling the country’s cuisine, based largely around chicken, lamb, beef and the trademark dish of masgouf, or barbecued carp. Most meals also include small portions of salad, hummus and bread or rice.

Mosul: This city is the capital of the Kurdish region of Iraq. It is a city that is said to be made for walking. The town centre is dominated by a maze of streets and attractive 19th-century houses. You will find various ethnicities that mix here — Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians and Turkomans — fascinating.

Babylon: It is the world’s most famous historical city, once ruled by 10 Mesopotamian dynasties, starting with the dynasty of King Hammurabi and ending with Nebuchadnezzar II, who is credited with Babylon’s existing ruins. It has been alleged that occupying American soldiers have damaged some ruins.

Ctesiphon: The historically important site is about 30 km to the south-east of Baghdad. Here you find the colossal arch of the great banqueting hall of the great palace of Sapor. It is believed to be the widest and highest single-span vault built of baked bricks in the world.

Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf: South of Baghdad, it is a site of great religious significance to Shia Muslims, as it is the shrine of Imam Ali. The shrine is enclosed in a mosque in the city centre, which is resplendent with a golden dome made of 7,777 tiles of pure gold and two 35-metre high golden minarets, each covered with 40,000 gold tiles.

The marshes: South of Basra, the area formed by the Tigris and Euphrates delta is an extensive wetland, home to a variety of birds, fish, plants, reeds, and bulrushes. It is home to the Marsh Arabs, who live in huts (known as sarifas) built from reeds with elaborate latticework entrances and attractive designs.

A Tour With Basra's Border Police And Marines

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

As the British military prepares the handover of security of the entire Basra Province to the Iraqi Security Forces, a new focus is being placed on Iraqs southernmost region.

Nabeel Kamal traveled there to interview Basras Marines, Navy, and other security forces in charge of protecting Iraqs borders from smugglers, pirates, and terrorists.

Basras Shalamja Port is a major entry point to Iraq for many travels from the Gulf and other Arab countries, as well as Iran. It is also a major hub of activity from smugglers and pirates. Being Iraqs only access to the sea, its stability is a strategic necessity for Iraqs longterm security.

Iraqs Navy has in the past , and is now beginning again , to serve that purpose. Originally founded in 1937, primarily as a river force, it was not until after the Revolution of 1968 that Iraq began to constitute a strong naval force, with the ability to exert influence in the Gulf.

Benoy and Foster’s join Iraq delegation - Building Design

Members of staff from Benoy and Foster & Partners joined Peter Mandelson on the first British business delegation to Iraq in more than 20 years on Monday.

The business secretary took delegates from 23 companies — including the two architectural practices, as well as firms in the healthcare, construction, transport, power, oil and gas, water, banking and security sectors — on a one-day visit to Baghdad and Basra to drum up business.

As part of a longer tour of the region by the delegation, the visitors met Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki and other ministers and officials.

Mandelson said: “Iraq today is a place of opportunity. Britain will stand by Iraq in peace as we have in conflict to help Iraqis realise that opportunity.

“The size and seniority of the delegation reflects the importance British government and British business place in Iraq and its people. British expertise and skills can play an important role in the development of the Iraq economy.”

A Foster’s spokeswoman said: “One of our senior architects is visiting Iraq as part of the formal business delegation. It is essentially a networking opportunity.”

Baghdad marks 6th anniversary of its fall to US troops - Al Arabiya

As Iraq marks the sixth anniversary of the fall of its capital Baghdad to American troops on Thursday, Iraqi students search for a bright future in one of the world's most heavily armed nations.

In a display of industrial war art in Baghdad's green zone, a sculpture of a fish is made out of bullet casings; a flower is shaped from the twisted remains of a machine gun barrel; another depicts the Greek God Atlas, shown holding a wooden map of Iraq instead of shouldering the weight of the Earth.

The show is the work of graduate students at Baghdad University's College of Fine Arts, who decided to turn scrap from old guns and munitions into symbols of hope, as the specter of war recedes in Iraq.

A message to the world

"It's a message to the world that these pieces of equipment that bring death can be turned into things of beauty," says artist Ahmed Imad Aldeen, 27, at his small workshop in the fortified government and diplomatic compound.

"It's also an appeal to Iraq and the rest of the world that enough is enough. Enough of the killing," adds fellow artist Ali Hamid Mohammed.

The group of four students joined forces last year to create the pieces which are being displayed in a small room next to a green zone live shooting range.

Many of the dozens of sculptures for sale are abstract, but others, like a version of the famed bust of Egyptian queen Nefertiti, are immediately recognizable.

"When I see each weapon, they speak to me and tell me what they should be," says Aldeen.

The idea of turning munitions into art was first proposed by Zahim Jihad Mutar, head of a non-government Iraqi armament disposal group.

Obama Makes Surprise Visit to Iraq - New York Times

President Obama made a surprise detour to Iraq on Tuesday, stopping to visit American troops and commanders before returning to Washington from his first overseas trip as president.

Air Force One landed at Baghdad International Airport at 4:42 pm, according to a pool report from reporters traveling with the president.

Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said Iraq was chosen over Afghanistan as a final stop because of its proximity to Turkey, where Mr. Obama has been for the last two days, as well as a need to consult with Iraqi officials. And, Mr. Gibbs said, the trip was primarily to see troops.

“Our men and women who are in harm’s way, either in Iraq or Afghanistan, deserve our utmost respect and appreciation,” Mr. Gibbs said, adding that the president will award 10 medals of valor.

The trip is Mr. Obama’s third to Iraq, but his first as the commander in chief.

Mandelson leads Iraq trade trip - BBC

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is leading the first British business delegation to Iraq in over 20 years. Representatives from 23 companies are accompanying the business secretary on a one-day trip to Baghdad and Basra.

The group will meet Iraqi government ministers to discuss how they can contribute to the economic reconstruction of the country.

The visit coincided with a series of car bombings in the Iraqi capital, which killed more than 30 people.

'Important role'

Lord Mandelson stressed that the reconstruction of Iraq continued to be a good business opportunity.

"British business and expertise can play an important role in the development of the Iraq economy," he said.

Business leaders from the healthcare, construction, oil and gas and banking sectors are among those on the trip. During the visit he will announce that two more British businesses have been awarded contracts in Iraq.

Maritime and Underwater Security Consultants has secured an estimated $200 million contract to map the seabed off the Al Faw peninsula.

UK company B-Plan Information's banking system software is being launched at Iraq's biggest bank Rafidain.

In February, during a surprise visit to Iraq, the Foreign Secretary David Miliband declared the country "open for business" and a good place for UK firms to trade.

US commander praises UK Iraq troops - Mirror

The top US commander in the Middle East has thanked British troops for their "important achievements, hard work and sacrifice" in Iraq as they prepare to leave.

General David Petraeus singled out their training of the new Iraqi navy and marines, and support of a major Iraqi-led operation against militias in Basra.

He said: "Our shared experience in Iraq have brought our militaries even closer. As we look together beyond Iraq, your American comrades are heartened that we will continue to serve together in Afghanistan.

"Thanks to each of you for your commitment, your sacrifice and your skill." The UK handed command of coalition forces in Basra to the US last week. The remaining 4,100 British troops in Iraq stop combat operations by May 31 and all but about 400 will be out by July 31..

Business minister Mandelson in Iraq - AFP

Business minister Peter Mandelson arrived in Baghdad on Monday to lead the country's first official trade delegation to Iraq for more than 20 years.

The move is a further sign of London's desire to normalise relations with Baghdad as Britain pulls its troops out of southern Iraq over the coming months, six years after the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

Mandelson's visit came as series of rush-hour car bombings hit Baghdad, killing at least 18 people and wounded 58 others, according to law enforcement officials.

"Lord Mandelson, the business secretary will lead a high-level business delegation on a one-day visit to the country," the embassy official said.

"The delegation, comprising 23 companies, will take the opportunity to visit both Baghdad and Basra."

Ministers have talked up business opportunities in Iraq, particularly in the southern port city of Basra where Britain's forces and reconstruction efforts are based.

"This is the first such British delegation to visit Iraq in over 20 years," the official said.

"Lord Mandelson and the representatives will have the opportunity to meet with Iraq government ministers, including Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, to contribute to the economic reconstruction of the country."

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform said Mandelson and the business delegation would also visit Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

The companies in the delegation comprise "a broad range of sectors," said BERR.

"Not just oil and gas but also in healthcare, construction, transport, power, water, banking and the security sector. The UK government's future relationship with Iraq will be one of partnership," it added.

British forces officially started to withdraw from Iraq six days ago, signalling the end of military operations that began with the invasion that toppled Saddam.

Operations will end by May 31 and all but a few hundred of the 4,100 British service personnel are to leave the violence-wracked country by July 31.

A Royal Navy training team is expected to stay on in Iraq to provide naval training in the southern port of Umm Qasr.

Security has improved dramatically since 2007, when Iraqi and US forces launched offensives against Al-Qaeda militants with the help of local US-financed and trained militias.

But the latest attacks follow others in March that saw 252 Iraqis killed.

The death toll remained high last month due to four major suicide bombings, including a March 8 attack in Baghdad when an assailant on a bicycle blew himself up killing at least 28 people outside a police academy.

British minister to lead landmark trade mission to Iraq - Tehran Times

Britain's Business Minister Peter Mandelson is set to lead the country's first official trade delegation to Iraq for more than 20 years, his office said Friday.

The move is a further sign of London seeking to normalize relations with Baghdad as Britain pulls its troops out of southern Iraq over the coming months, six years after the U.S.-led invasion.

British ministers have talked up the business opportunities in Iraq, particularly in the southern port city of Basra, where Britain's forces and reconstruction efforts are based.

The delegation is made up of 23 companies comprising “a broad range of sectors,” said the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). “Not just oil and gas but also in healthcare, construction, transport, power, water, banking and the security sector.”

The delegation will also visit Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, while Mandelson will also visit Bahrain. No dates were given for the visits but they are expected “shortly”.

In Iraq, Mandelson and business leaders will meet with Iraqi ministers and officials on opportunities for British firms to get involved in the economic reconstruction of the country.

“The UK government's future relationship with Iraq will be one of partnership,” BERR said.

“It takes on new dimensions including areas such as economic, commercial, cultural and educational cooperation.

“It is a relationship of cooperation and friendship which is entering a new era and will last for many years to come between the two countries.”

On his visit to Bahrain, Mandelson will have high-level meetings to discuss the global economic situation and bilateral issues.

British forces officially started to withdraw from Iraq on Tuesday, signaling the end of six years of military operations that began with the invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein.

Operations will end by May 31 and all 4,100 British troops are to leave the violence-wracked country by the July 31. Some British troops will still provide naval training.

Direct flights to Baghdad revived - Times

Anyone in Britain planning a trip to Iraq will be able to fly there directly as early as next month after Baghdad asked London to reopen the once-popular route, closed for almost two decades because of war and sanctions.

At present, Iraq-bound travellers must hop to one of a handful of capitals, most commonly Amman or Dubai, before flying on to Baghdad, but a British-Iraqi working group is exploring the possibility of re-launching direct flights between the two countries.

“I give full permission [for flights to resume] from the Iraqi side and I wait the answer from the British side,” Amer AbdulJabbar Ismail, the Iraqi Transport Minister, told The Times yesterday in an interview at his Baghdad office.

“I am expecting within the month to get the permission.” Over the past week, Iraq revived routes to Athens, Stockholm and Copenhagen. The Transport Ministry is also in talks with the German and Indian aviation authorities to start flights between Frankfurt and Baghdad as well as to Bombay.

Daily flights resumed between Baghdad and Amman in 2004. There are also regular planes shuttling back and forth to Tehran, Beirut, Dubai and Istanbul. Further in the future, Iraq hopes to run flights to the US city of Detroit.

Mr Ismail said it was important to restart the London route because Britain is an important country and many Iraqis reside there.

In addition, “Britain took part in liberating Iraq, now they want to invest in Basra therefore we are encouraged to talk to Britain”, he said, speaking in English.

Further enhancing ties between the two countries, Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi Prime Minister, is planning a trip to London towards the end of the month to meet with Gordon Brown and to attend a conference on investment in Iraq. It will be the first visit to London by Mr Maliki since February 2008, when he came for a second round of medical tests. Medical matters are not on the cards this time.

The Transport Minister will be among a group of about 10 ministers travelling with Mr Maliki. He hopes to use the trip to seal the deal to revive the London-Baghdad route. Iraqi Airways, the national carrier, is geared up to make the trip, while it will also be open to any other international airline flying out of London.

UN sanctions imposed on the former regime of Saddam Hussein when he invaded Kuwait in 1990 included a ban on all flights going to and from Iraq. Departure and arrival boards, listing flights to destinations such as London, Tokyo and Moscow, stood frozen in time until a year after the 2003 invasion when the airport was reopened to the public.

Deborah Haynes

New flights were slow to materialise, however, because of the insurgency that raged in the following years. The few commercial planes that used Baghdad airport had to perform corkscrew take-offs and landings to limit the risk of being hit by a surface-to-air missile or rocket propelled grenade.

A drop in the violence since 2007 has been matched by an increase in destinations accessible from Iraq. British planes have been able to fly over the country since last month in a sign of this renewed confidence.

In a further indication of normality returning, the flight information boards at Baghdad International Airport flicked back to life earlier this week, once again displaying flight destinations, departure times and arrival times.

“I feel very happy,” the Transport Minister said.

Iraq hero medic's top gong - The Sun

AN army medic has received the nursing equivalent of the Military Cross for saving three soldiers’ lives while under attack.

Captain Gary King, 44, leapt from a helicopter and dodged enemy fire to reach the troops injured on foot patrol near Basra, Iraq, last year.

As mortars and bullets rained down, he tended their wounds before dragging them one by one to the safety of the chopper.

Prince Charles presented the dad of three with the Associate Royal Red Cross at Buckingham Palace on Saturday.

But the modest Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps hero, of Bath, Somerset, said: “I was only doing my job.

“Rounds were winging around but you focus on the casualty.”

Iraq handover chief: It's good to be home - Portsmouth News

The commander who this week led the withdrawal of troops from Iraq says it is good to be home after landing in Portsmouth.

Major-General Andy Salmon handed military command of the southern province of Basra to the US Army in a ceremony that marked the beginning of the end of Britain's controversial involvement in the Middle Eastern state. Twenty-four hours later he arrived by helicopter at Whale Island, Portsmouth.

Maj-Gen Salmon said their work in Iraq had been an 'incredibly positive'.

'As a result of our work and following our predecessors we have built a foundation for Basra so the people can look forward and make a more stable future where they can have jobs and see developments for their children's future,' he said.

'We worked hard to understand what the needs of the people were and what the Iraqis wanted. We did all these things and the results have been incredibly positive. I can put my hand on my heart and say we've finished this right.'

Since the 2003 US-led invasion, 179 British personnel have died in Iraq and many more have been injured.

Maj-Gen Salmon said that by October last year they could sense a difference in how local people felt more secure.

'Some were saying to us that they had never experienced such freedom for 30 years,' he said. 'They were starting to enjoy themselves and life was getting back to normal.'

In January there were local elections, which Maj-Gen Salmon said had been satisfying.

'The people had safe, secure, fair and free elections and the green shoots were developing.

'We have got a great foundation. It's going to need considerable hard work by the coalition forces, members of the international community, the Iraqi security forces, politicians and the people now to work together and keep it going.'

Maj-Gen Salmon and his command team left Basra at 4.30pm UK time on Tuesday and flew to RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before moving on to Portsmouth to be reunited with their families.

Maj-Gen Salmon said: 'It feels really great to be back with the family, and the weather here is fantastic.

'We will probably have chance to reflect on the achievements.'


COMBAT OPERATIONS TO CEASE

The withdrawal of British troops from Iraq began when Major-General Andy Salmon handed military command of Basra to the US Army.

There are still 4,100 British troops in Iraq but they will halt combat operations on May 31 and all but about 400 of them will be withdrawn by July 31.

The handover ceremony in Basra on Tuesday opened with a piper leading the dignitaries to their seats, followed by a performance from the Royal Marines Band.

After prayers and speeches, the pennant of Maj-Gen Salmon's Combined Amphibious Forces was lowered and the pennant of the US Army's 10th Mountain Division was raised.

The most senior US commander in Iraq, General Ray Odierno, said the handover was a testament to the success of the UK forces.

County-born military leader’s Iraq role - Shropshire Star

The Shropshire-born military commander who handed over control of Basra to the US in a historic ceremony in Iraq has told how “we’ve finished this right”.

The commander of UK Amphibious Forces, Major General Andy Salmon from Wellington, acknowledged there had been “ups and downs” for UK forces in Iraq but insisted it was “a successful conclusion to a long campaign”.

“I can put my hand on my heart and say we’ve finished this right,” he said.

The handover ceremony yesterday saw the pennant of Maj Gen Salmon’s Combined Amphibious Forces being lowered and the pennant of the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division raised.

Earlier speaking on the Radio 4 Today programme, Maj Gen Salmon talked of leaving the Middle East with some sense of satisfaction.

He said: “If you look at the situation that we see now in Basra and you ask the Basrawis what they feel about it, for those who are old enough to realise and compare it with the past gloom of Saddam’s era, they look back to 30 years ago and say, you know, ‘we’re seeing stability that we haven’t had before, we’re seeing levels of freedom that we haven’t had before’.”

But he also talked of the difficulties British troops have faced.

He added: “It’s been very testing, we had an insurgency materialise, violence on steroids if you like – levels of violence that I don’t think any of us were going to think were possible when we came here in 2003.”

US Army Major General Michael Oates assumed command of coalition forces in Basra as part of a new Multi-National Division (South) region in Iraq.

Since the US-led invasion, 179 British personnel have died in Iraq.

More than 4,100 British troops are still in Iraq but they will stop combat operations on May 31 and all but about 400 of them will gradually be withdrawn by July 31.

Our Boys are coming home - The Sun

BRITISH troops started the long and final journey home from Iraq yesterday.

The first soldiers to leave the country boarded a plane for the UK — after command for the Basra garrison was transferred to the United States.

They included the now former British forces boss, Major General Andy Salmon.

During an emotional flag-lowering ceremony, the Royal Marine supremo shook hands with American counterpart Major General Michael Oates, who takes on security responsibility for the south of the country.

The event marked the beginning of the end of a bitter, six-year occupation of southern Iraq.
A total of 179 British military personnel were killed and 1,000-plus wounded — the majority by Iran-backed militants — since the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The rest of the 4,100-strong force will pull out over the next two months — with PM Gordon Brown setting the official end-of-combat date in Iraq as May 31, with all fighting troops out by July 31.

Top brass from London and Washington jetted into the Basra air base for the occasion.
Britain’s most senior warrior, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, lead the tributes. Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Jock said: “We remember those who paid the ultimate price in this endeavour, those who suffered injury and disablement in order that we might get to this point today.”

He added: “This occasion is about the countless numbers of young men and women from the United States, from the British Isles, who have striven with such dedication, with such commitment and with such courage.

“It’s about the effort they put in, it’s about the difficulties they overcame, it’s about the losses they suffered.”

US commander in Iraq, General Ray Odierno, said: “It is never easy to say goodbye to great friends — but the stronger and more important emotion today is gratitude.”

Iraqi military boss General Nasier Abadi told yesterday how now stable Basra had been “transformed” thanks to the immense sacrifices of UK forces.

Gordon Brown called the handover “a further step forward in the UK’s work in Iraq”. He said there had been difficult times but British troops “have made an outstanding contribution”.

British troops begin Iraq pullout

British forces have officially started to withdraw from Iraq, signalling the end of six years of military operations that began with the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

The flag of the British headquarters in Basra was lowered on Tuesday during a solemn ceremony marking the start of a months-long process that will see all 4,100 British troops leave the violence-wracked country by the end of July.

"One hundred and seventy-nine gallant warriors of the United Kingdom made the supreme sacrifice," said General Ray Odierno, the senior US army officer in Iraq, in tribute to the British personnel who have died in the country since 2003.

"We have shed blood together and that is a bond that no man can break," he told about 300 guests, including British and Iraqi officers and diplomats, shortly before a US army flag was raised and the colours of the Royal Marines were lowered.

"You have restored hope where chaos reigned," Odierno added.

Britain's chief of defence staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup paid tribute "to those who made the ultimate sacrifice" and described the Iraq campaign as "a noble endeavour."

"This occasion is about the countless number of men and women from the far-flung corners of the United States and from Great Britain who have striven with such courage here," he said.
"I salute you with pride."

Major General Andy Salmon, the senior British officer in Basra, handed over the southern base to an American commander, in a key step towards all foreign troops leaving the country and a full return to Iraqi sovereignty.

The colours of the coalition's Multinational Division South-East, a specially inscribed Royal Marines flag, were lowered and replaced with the standard of the US Army's 10th Mountain Division.

Salmon, a Royal Marine and veteran of the 1982 Falklands conflict and 1991 Gulf War, was among 40 British troops to leave Basra after Tuesday's ceremony.

He and his predecessors were praised by Iraqi army General Nassir Abadi.

"Now is the time to thank those British personnel who have served in our country and the many who have contributed so much," Abadi said.

"We owe a debt of gratitude that we can best repay by continuing the progress that my country has made."

Britain, under then prime minister Tony Blair, was America's key ally when president George W. Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 to overthrow Saddam.

In London Blair's successor, Gordon Brown, paid tribute to the British troops.

"There have been difficult times along the way, but British troops have made an outstanding contribution to laying the ground for a stable and increasingly prosperous Basra -- part of a stable, secure and prosperous Iraq," Brown said in a statement.

British troop numbers in the campaign were the second largest, peaking at 46,000 in March and April 2003 at the height of combat operations that resulted in the dictator's ouster and eventual execution for crimes against humanity.

Under a deal signed by Baghdad and London last year the last 4,100 British soldiers would complete their mission -- primarily training the Iraqi army -- by June, before withdrawing completely in late July.

Tuesday's departure began almost 50 years after Britain's previous exit from Iraq, in May 1959, when the last soldiers left Habbaniyah base near the western town of Fallujah, ending a presence that dated back to 1918.

Basra, Iraq's third-largest city and a strategic oil hub, had been under British command since the 2003 invasion, but the province and its airport returned to Iraqi control three months ago.

As well as training its soldiers, Britain has been instrumental in the rebirth of the Iraqi navy.
A Royal Navy training team is based at the southern port of Umm Qasr, and its role is expected to continue although a new agreement has yet to be reached.

The British pullout comes as the US military also steps up preparations to leave Iraq.
Under a US-Iraqi security agreement signed last November, American troops must withdraw from major towns and cities by June 30 and from the whole country by the end of 2011.

Britain starts withdrawing troops from Iraq - Hindustan Times

The transfer follows Britain's agreement last year to withdraw all but 500 of the 4,100 troops it had stationed in Iraq ahead of its complete military withdrawal from the country in July.

The 500 remaining British soldiers will train Iraqi forces, and the Iraqi Navy in particular.

After the US, Britain sent the largest contingent of soldiers to support the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
British troops transferred the responsibility of operating Basra's civilian airport to Iraqi authorities Jan 1, but the British military retained control of the military base next to the airport. Control of that base will now pass to the US military.

Though calm has largely returned to Basra, the base has frequently been the target of rocket attacks.

Britain begins Iraq pullout - Herald, Australia

IT started with bagpipes, ended with an embrace and was laced with references to Churchill and memories of sacrifice that have forged a bond that "no man can break".

The handover of the British-led coalition base to US forces in Basra overnight was tinged with sadness, as America's senior military officer in Iraq admitted he had mixed emotions about the departure of its key ally.

"The relationship between Britain and the United States is, as your wartime leader Winston Churchill said, a 'special relationship'," said General Ray Odierno.

"Our people share a bond like no other and it has sustained us over generations as we fought against tyranny. It can still be counted on today."

Gen Odierno set the tone for a solemn occasion which paid tribute to the 179 British servicemen and women who have died in Iraq since the March 2003 US-led invasion which toppled Saddam Hussein.

"One hundred and seventy-nine gallant warriors of the United Kingdom made the supreme sacrifice," said Gen Odierno. "We have shed blood together and that is a bond that no man can break."

Lee Watson, of Britain's Royal Tank Regiment, piped in about 300 guests including military officers, diplomats and local dignitaries at the opening of the ceremony.

He played The Green Hills of Tyrol, an anthem that has accompanied British military campaigns since the Crimean War in 1853.

The guests then stood as a Royal Marines band played the Iraqi, US and British national anthems as the three flags fluttered in a light breeze and the sun came out from behind clouds that had shrouded the midday ceremony.

After Gen Odierno's tribute, the British chief of defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, spoke in recognition of "those who made the ultimate sacrifice" in what he described as "a noble endeavour".

"This occasion is about the countless number of men and women from the far-flung corners of the United States and from Great Britain who have striven with such courage here in Iraq," he said.

"I salute you with pride."

General Nassir Abadi, deputy chief of staff of Iraq's armed forces, then spoke in English of his "honour" at having worked with British troops since Saddam's ouster.

"We owe a debt of gratitude that we can best repay by continuing the progress that my country has made," Gen Abadi said. "I am delighted but not surprised that the United Kingdom has stayed the course since 2003."

Gen Abadi also quoted Churchill in his tribute, saying the World War II leader had described courage as "the quality that guarantees all others ... I believe this quality has been demonstrated in abundance" by British soldiers in Iraq.

The outgoing British commander, Major General Andy Salmon, said British, American and Iraqi forces had "spilt blood together" and he had finally realised that Iraq had reached a "turning point" last October.

"The future is there for the taking," he said, referring to Iraq's January provincial elections that passed with little major violence.

He then hugged his successor, Major General Michael Oates, who said he would try to continue "the great work done by British forces" before using his final words to echo Maj-Gen Salmon's optimism.

"I see unlimited potential in southern Iraq," the US officer said.

The flag of the coalition's Multinational Division South-East, a specially-inscribed Royal Marines flag, was earlier lowered and replaced with the standard of the US Army's 10th Mountain Division.

In recognition of the multifaith gathering, a US chaplain led a prayer and wished British troops "God speed" on their journey home, before a reading from the Koran, the Muslim holy book.

UK troops hailed - Gulf Daily News

Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to the "outstanding contribution" made by British troops in Iraq as they officially began withdrawing from the country yesterday.

The withdrawal of British forces from their headquarters outside the main southern city of Basra signalled the end of six years of military operations that began with the US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein. All 4,100 British troops will leave by the end of July. Major General Andy Salmon, the senior British officer in Basra, handed over the southern base to an American commander.

Beginning of end for 'great endeavour' of Iraq invasion - Scotsman

BRITISH forces handed military command in southern Iraq to the United States yesterday, in a ceremony marking the beginning of the end of the UK's controversial involvement in the country.
Senior British, US and Iraqi generals flew into Basra for an event that celebrated the "enormous success" of UK troops, but it was tinged with sadness at the loss of life involved.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the head of Britain's armed forces, paid tribute to the 179 British personnel – 19 from Scotland – who have been killed since the 2003 invasion.

"We remember particularly at such a time those who paid the ultimate price in this endeavour, those who suffered injury and disablement in order that we might get to this point today," Sir Jock said.

The ceremony, at Basra International Airport, represented a landmark on the road towards the final withdrawal this summer of nearly all of the 4,100 UK troops still in Iraq.

Major-General Andy Salmon, of the Royal Marines, formally handed command in Basra to his US army counterpart, Major-General Michael Oates.

Sir Jock, the Chief of the Defence Staff, told invited dignitaries that the move signified the end of a phase in the UK's engagement in a "great endeavour" in Iraq.

"This occasion is about much more than the transfer of that command from one individual to another, important though that is," he said.

"This occasion is about the countless numbers of young men and women from the far-flung corners of the United States, from the various reaches of the British Isles, who have together striven here with such dedication, with such commitment and with such courage over so long a period.

"It's about the effort they put in, it's about the difficulties they overcame, it's about the losses they suffered."

Sir Jock went on: "In particular, and above all, it's about the Iraqi people. This whole endeavour has always been about the Iraqi people."

General Ray Odierno, the most senior US commander in Iraq, said the fact the handover was taking place was a "testament to the enormous success of the UK forces".

He said: "Although it is never easy to say goodbye to great friends, the stronger and more important emotion today is gratitude.

"I am grateful not only for the outstanding accomplishments of the brave troopers of the United Kingdom, but for the courage and selfless dedication of all the United Kingdom forces who served in Iraq, and for the unwavering commitment of the British people in the cause of liberty around the world.

"The accomplishments of the British forces across Iraq, and especially here in Basra, have been nothing short of brilliant."

British combat operations in Iraq end on 31 May, and all but about 400 of the UK's troops will be withdrawn by 31 July.

General Nasier Abadi, the deputy chief of staff of the Iraqi forces, said the people of Iraq would not forget the UK service personnel killed there.

"On behalf of all the Iraqis, I thank the United Kingdom for the hard work and sacrifice that helped bring peace and stability to Iraq's second city," he said.

He said security in Basra had been "transformed".

Maj-Gen Salmon said coalition forces had spilt blood together on the streets of Basra to improve the security situation.

"Basra bears little resemblance to the place that I came to eight months ago with my headquarters," he said.

Maj-Gen Oates said: "It's an honour to serve with Andy Salmon and the British military contingent, and to call them allies, friends and partners in service to Iraq."

Salmon tribute to thank the British troops

MAJOR-GENERAL Andy Salmon, head of the coalition forces in Basra, has been presented with a golden jewel encrusted ornamental fish – a salmon, naturally.

A celebration feast took place in a Basra hotel and was laid on by Iraqis to thank the British for their involvement in the country over the past six years.

The feast, at Basra Operations Command in the former Shatt Al Arab Hotel, was attended by local Iraqi dignitaries including senior army and police officers, sheikhs and religious leaders.

The feast opened with a performance by the Royal Marines Band, based at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall, who flew to Iraq especially for the event.

After speeches the guests packed into the hotel's former ballroom to dine.

Maj-Gen Salmon was also presented with a golden camel.

Britain to start Iraq pullout - Photographs by Lewis Whyld / PA