This Makes You Wonder

A man sells oranges close to a polling station before January's election / A barber gestures from his shop as he cuts a customer's hair in Basra, Iraq Photo: GETTY

Iraq: Basra Is Less Dangerous Than Manchester, British General Says -- The Telegraph

Basra is now less dangerous than Manchester, the general commanding British troops in Iraq has said.

Maj Gen Andy Salmon told The Daily Telegraph that following months of steady improvements in the security situation in Iraq's second city, the rate of violent crime and murder in Basra has fallen below some major British cities.

"On a per capita basis, if you look at the violence statistics, it is less dangerous than Manchester," he said, hailing a "radical transformation" in Iraq's prospects.

Since an Iraqi government offensive largely routed violent insurgent groups in Basra last May, British officials in Iraq say that the city has become ever more secure and stable and the Iraqi security forces increasingly competent.

In the latest sign of progress after years of insurgent attacks on British and Iraqi forces, local elections last month passed off without significant violence.

"In a nutshell, Basra is stable," said Maj Gen Salmon.

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My Comment: Peace in Basra .... it is about time.