Hah ! Back in Basra this will help the poll ratings !! But why's no one smiling but me ?

Iraq to be given control of Basra

Gordon Brown has paid a surprise visit to Basra in Iraq

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced that the Iraqi province of Basra is to be handed over to Iraqi control within two weeks.

Mr Brown flew into Basra city on Sunday for a surprise visit to British troops.

He broke the news as he addressed servicemen and women at Basra air station, after holding telephone talks with Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki.

The remaining 4,500 British troops in Iraq will now focus their efforts on training local Iraqi forces.

UK troop numbers are set to be reduced to 2,500 from the spring.

Mr Brown told the troops: "I have just talked to Prime Minister Maliki and he asked me to pass on his thanks to you for what you have done to help rebuild the democracy of Iraq.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7135666.stm