U.S. and British media say Washington and London are consideringpulling some troops out of Iraq next year, in part to strengthen forcesfighting an increasingly deadly war in Afghanistan.
newspaper reports Sunday that by the time U.S.President George Bush leaves office in late January 2009, as many asthree of the 15 U.S. combat brigades in Iraq could be withdrawn, or atleast be scheduled to withdraw.
The newspaper quotes Bushadministration and military officials who say combat forces may startto withdraw from Iraq as early as September.
Separately, thehead of Britain's armed forces told the British BroadcastingCorporation today that Britain plans to withdraw a couple thousandtroops from Iraq next year.
Air Chief Marshal Jock Stirrupsaid Britain's involvement in both Iraq and Afghanistan hasover-stretched the army and its resources.
He said the army needs to get back down to a more sustainable operational tempo to ease the strain.
U.S.officials say violence has declined significantly in Iraq sincePresident Bush sent additional troops to the country last year. But inAfghanistan, attacks by Taliban militants have increased.
During May and June, more foreign troops died in Afghanistan than in Iraq.