In pictures: UK troops in the Gulf

1 of 7 Petrol remains in short supply in southern Iraq. Petrol queues up to 1km long are being patrolled by British troops

2 of 7 Basra residents are gradually returning to normal life, despite the petrol queues and presence of troops on the streets

3 of 7 A few UK troops have returned home, but most of those in southern Iraq will remain until order is completely restored

4 of 7 UK troops have been interviewing Iraqis for jobs as police officers, to try to tackle the post-war surge in petty crime

5 of 7 Many of those queuing to be given a policing job were officers under Saddam Hussein's regime

6 of 7 Elsewhere, UK troops continue to fight the battle for "hearts and minds" with football games against local teams

7 of 7 And residents have been going back to work around the Euphrates river, fishing and fetching supplies