Brits Bailout

Talk about vulnerable:

Military analysts point out that the effective [British] force in Basra will really only be 1250, since that is all the troops that could be spared for an operation in Basra or another nearby trouble spot, while the other 1250 would need to remain to secure the base. In turn, one could imagine a perilous situation emerging in Basra (population 1.5 million), dealing with which would require more than 1250 troops.

The British are defacto out of Iraq. Southern Iraq is now under total control of Shiite militia groups. As of now, they seem to be getting along which may or may not be a good thing.

Why? Because the American supply lines run through Basra from Kuwait.

What would happen if Shiites decide they've had enough of the U.S. occupation? Or how about an American bombing campaign against Iran, the Shiites biggest ally? Juan Cole suggests that American troops will inevitably have to occupy southern Iraq to guarantee their own supply lines and safety. I think he's right.