[continued from previous message] 
  
 to have done more, and I think we are still puzzling over why the 
 reconstruction was not as effective as it might have been, the 
 senior British officer said. 
  
 Since the invasion Britain has spent or committed #744 million to 
 help to rebuild water mains, schools and a host of other projects. 
  
 Lieutenant- Colonel Peter Sims, an Australian officer in charge of 
 civil military effects, said much was invested in electricity, water 
 and sewage. 
  
 Unfortunately from a perception point of view, people thought we 
 werent doing anything because people could not see it, Colonel Sims 
 said. 
  
 But the reality was that in that time a lot of the infrastructure 
 was rebuilt. Mr Khanjer, the provincial councillor, disagreed, 
 saying that there had been no marked improvement in the electricity 
 or sewage systems, though water was slightly better. As for smaller 
 projects such as rebuilding classrooms, much money was pocketed by 
 corrupt contractors, as security fears often prevented officials 
 from visiting projects. 
  
 Increasingly, the provincial council is taking the lead with 
 reconstruction efforts, ensuring that all work is contracted at a 
 reasonable price and actually takes place. Such autonomy is a further 
 sign that Basra, a port city with huge economic potential, is ready 
 for provincial control. 
  
 The final transition date will be fixed only once British Forces 
 exit Basra Palace  once a playground for Saddam Husseins family  as 
 well as the Provincial Joint Co-ordination Centre, a small British-Iraqi 
 outpost in the heart of the city. 
  
 This withdrawal of some 800 troops to the militarys headquarters 
 at an airport several miles away is a prospect few relish, saying 
 that they prefer being in the thick of the action. 
  
 I dont want to go back to the COB [Contingency Operating Base], 
 Lance Corporal Steven Pallett, 21, said. All the guys do there is 
 drink milkshakes. 
  
 In reality the airport base gets more than its fair share of indirect 
 fire, forcing soldiers to be on alert at all times. Such attacks 
 are likely to rise once it becomes the last British stronghold. 
  
 Troops on the base will still be able to defend themselves and 
 conduct raids, but they run the risk of losing credibility if they 
 stay in Iraq too long after handing over the Basra security brief. 
  
 Local people dislike the British presence but show mixed emotions 
 at the prospect of it ending. 
  
 I dont want the British to leave because the Iraqi security forces 
 are not ready, Laith Hashem Hassan, 34, a financial auditor, said. 
  
 However, Louay al-Batat, the Basra deputy governor, said: I would 
 prefer for them to go so that we, the Basra people, can work together 
 and rebuild our city. 
  
 Some 500 troops will leave Iraq after the transition, but a sizeable 
 footprint is due to remain as the military adopts a more supportive 
 role in Basra. This is already the case in Iraqs three other southern 
 provinces that have been transferred to Iraqi control by the 
 British-led coalition. 
  
 How long they stay is up to Gordon Brown, but one thing is certain, 
 the impression that British troops leave behind is unlikely to be 
 positive. 
  
 A senior Iraqi officer summed it up: Their legacy will be bombs and 
 tanks. The senior British officer predicted the lasting sentiment 
 would be gratitude and disappointment. 
  
 Moving out 
  
 5,500 British troops in Iraq, down from a peak of 46,000 at the 
 start of the war 
  
 4 southern provinces put under control of British forces: Muthanna, 
 Dhi Qar, Maysan and Basra. They withdrew from Muthanna in July 2006, 
 Dhi Qar in September 2006 and Maysan in April of this year 
  
 164 British troops have died in Iraq since 2004; 127 as a result 
 of hostile action 
  
 Source: MOD, icasualties.org, Times research 
  
  
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 From - Sun Aug  5 23:10:03 2007 
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  * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)