Memo to Gordon Brown

Memo to Rt Hon Gordon Brown, M.P.
From: Neil Clark

Please don't listen to neo-conservatives like Mr Finkelstein. They're the ones who egged on the disastrous invasion of Iraq in the first place. They're also the ones who called for a 'surge' last year, which again has proved unsuccessful. Instead, listen to people such as General Sir Richard Dannatt, head of the British Army, who has conceded that the continuing presence of British troops "exacerbates the security problems" in Iraq.
And most importantly of all, listen to opinion polls, which show quite clearly that the British public have had enough of this wretched, unnecessary conflict. By announcing a pull-out of British troops, you will greatly enhance your chances of success in the next election. The Conservatives, who are sadly under the influence of neo-cons such as Mr Finkelstein, Michael Gove, Liam Fox, Ed Vaizey and George Osborne, will be left defending a hugely unpopular policy. Which will only become more unpopular as the number of British casualties rises.

ps Mr Finkelstein is an entertaining writer, but his track record on giving advice on how to win general elections, is- (how to put it delicately?)- not the greatest- please remember that he was an advisor to both John Major and William Hague....