Iraqi special forces outside Basra Palace in the southern city of Basra, 16 December 2007, following the security handover ceremony.

Iraqi soldiers parade in a tank outside Basra Palace in the southern city of Basra, 16 December 2007, following the security handover ceremony.

Iraqi soldiers parade in a tank outside Basra Palace in the southern city of Basra, 16 December 2007, following the security handover ceremony.

Iraqi soldiers parade outside Basra Palace in the southern city of Basra, 16 December 2007, following the security handover ceremony.

Iraqi soldiers parade in tanks outside Basra Palace in the southern city of Basra, 16 December 2007, following the security handover ceremony.

BASRA, IRAQ - DECEMBER 16: Iraqi security forces march during a handover ceremony on December 16, 2007, in Basra, 340 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq.

British soldiers secure the road around Basra airport, 16 December 2007, during a handover ceremony between British troops and Iraq.

BASRA, IRAQ - DECEMBER 16: An Iraqi policeman stands guard during a handover ceremony on December 16, 2007, in Basra, 340 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq.