“The insufficient number of troops in Iraq has contributed to the deterioration in security.

“The failure of countries other than the US and the United Kingdom to send significant numbers of troops has had serious and regrettable consequences, not only for the Iraqis but also in terms of the burden placed on UK resources and perceptions of the legitimacy of operations in Iraq.”

-snip-

“The alternative to a positive outcome in Iraq may be a failed state and regional instability.”