Quick hit before wrapping up for the night #1

The Independent (UK) for December 22 reports that

a cross-party group of MPs has returned from Iraq convinced British troops may have to be deployed there for at least another 10 years. ...

One senior member of the committee said: "It will take 10 to 15 years at least [before troops can be fully withdrawn]. It is another Cyprus. The Iraqis just cannot cope with the security situation and won't be able to for years." ...

Officially, the Government has continued to raise hopes that normality is returning to Iraq with the clear implication that after the UN mandate runs out with more elections in December next year, the foreign troops may start to be withdrawn.

But MPs who have visited Iraq say such hopes are wildly optimistic.

Classic British understatement.