Britain Hands Over Control Of Basra Province to Iraq.

The article reports that the control of Basra in Iraq was handed over to the Iraqi government by the British forces. The region was under their military supervision since four and a half years. Basra is stated to be a politically vital province and so officials in the U.S. are wondering if the transfer will prove to be Iraq's test of political and military leadership ability. Political analysts are seeing whether the step will prevent Shiite militia from gaining too much influence.