No matter how they spin it, that evil "reality" comes back to bite 'em in the butt.

 Bush furious as British troops pull out of Basra

Downing Street said the withdrawal from Basra Palace was part of the continuing process of handover to Iraqi forces.

But the move produced an angry reaction in Washington. Bush administration officials were furious that the operation was launched at a time when the president is begging for more time for his 'surge' strategy to turn the tide of the war.

Although the Prime Minister refuses to say when he will order UK troops home, observers believe the stage is set for a fullscale pull-out - and a serious rift in the special relationship with the U.S.

(snip)

British troops pulled out of their besieged base in central Basra last night.

The move to the city's airport is the clearest sign yet that Gordon Brown is paving the way for a complete withdrawal from Iraq.