Papers report Blair Iraq 'defeat'

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The decision to reduce the British force in Iraq has sparked criticism of the government's handling of the conflict in Thursday's papers.

An inglorious but necessary retreat, is how the Guardian describes it.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph's reaction is relief, tempered by fear for a "horribly uncertain future".

And for the Independent, the announcement was suggestive of a defeated leader deciding to declare victory and leave.

'Impoverished people'

The Telegraph criticises the government for not compensating people who have lost occupational pensions.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail calls on ministers to do "the honourable thing". "Paying these impoverished people... is no less than they deserve," it adds.

And the Daily Mirror tells the government to pay up.

The Daily Express accuses Labour of trying to wash its hands of Britain's pensioners and argues that MPs enjoy a gold-plated pension scheme.

Male-dominated

Several papers report that the Michelin Guide has awarded three stars to a female chef in France for the first time since 1951.

Anne-Sophie Pic has been recognised for adventurous dishes like steamed sea bass with oyster bon-bons in a vodka and lemon-butter sauce.

She tells the Times that it is a victory for women in the male-dominated milieu of French cuisine.

And the Guardian says the award has rocked a testosterone-charged arena.

Beckham recall?

The Daily Mirror's back page headline "swing when you're winning" refers to Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise putting their alleged feud behind them.

Both men, who are said to have been involved in a fight in which a golf club was used, scored in Liverpool's Champions League win over Barcelona.

And the Sun says David Beckham's recent form could lead to an England recall.

It also reports that Wimbledon tennis bosses are set to announce equal prize money for men and women.