Iraq WAR Ends! (...for UK)

Brian Murphy (AP)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraq war formally ended for British forces today [4/30/09] as America's main battlefield ally handed control of the oil-rich Basra area [not that this was ever about oil] to U.S. commanders and prepared to ship out most of its remaining 4,000 troops.

A U.S. flag was raised over the British base outside the southern city of Basra...

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PHOTO: Major General Andy Salmon (C-L) embraces US Army Major General Michael Oates as he hands him control of forces in the Basra area on 3/31/09. British forces formally ended combat operations in Iraq 4/30/09, one month ahead of schedule, after a solemn ceremony to remember their dead comrades from six years of warfare (AFP/File/Essam al-Sudani).