Iraq: A First Step To The End Of The Occupation

Iraqi police celebrated after a parade in Baquba, a day ahead of the June 30 withdrawal of U.S. forces from all of Iraqi cities. Moises Saman for The New York Times

U.S. Withdrawal From Iraqi Cities Marked by Holiday -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — Iraq declared a public holiday Tuesday to celebrate the official withdrawal of American troops from Iraqi cities and towns, emptying the streets as many people stayed home because they feared violence.

As official Iraq celebrated, the American military announced the death of four soldiers on Monday from combat operations in Baghdad, a reminder of the continuing hazards for American troops here and the vulnerability of soldiers as they wrap up operations in the field.

In the past few weeks, with the approach of the official date for withdrawal, nationalist sentiments have spread within the Iraqi government and military, with officials all but boasting publicly that Iraq is ready to handle the security situation on its own. The date of June 30 was set in an Iraqi-American security agreement that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2009.

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More News On Iraq

U.S. troops leave Iraq's cities -- Reuters
In Iraq, Jubilation as U.S. Combat Troops Withdraw From Cities -- Washington Post
Iraqi Forces Take Control in Baghdad -- Wall Street Journal
Iraq steps into precarious but sovereign unknown -- Yahoo News/AFP
Fireworks over Baghdad as Iraqis take over cities -- Yahoo News/AP
Iraqis celebrate U.S. troop pullback -- USA Today
Iraqis in festive mood on eve of U.S. troop exit -- L.A. Times
Iraq celebrates US pullout from cities -- The Telegraph
Challenges loom as Iraqis celebrate -- BBC
U.S. Troops Withdraw From Iraq's Cities -- Washington Post
US Hands Over Control of Iraqi Cities -- Voice of America
US bases close down in Iraq -- BBC
U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Iraq cities -- Reuters]
Good signs jostle with doubts in Iraq -- L.A. Times
Iraq Begins Major Oil and Gas Auction -- New York Times
As Iraq Stabilizes, China Eyes Its Oil Fields -- New York Times
4 US soldiers killed during Iraq cities pullout -- Yahoo News/AP
U.S. Leaves Iraqi District Where Anger Lingers -- New York Times
Pullout From Iraq Cities Shifts War Burden to Intelligence Work -- Bloomberg
Violence Spikes as U.S. Troops Withdraw From Iraq's Cities -- US News And World Report
TIMELINE-Events in Iraq since U.S-led invasion -- Reuters
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,319 -- Yahoo News/AP
The First Deadline -- New York Times editorial
U.S. Troops Withdraw From Iraq's Cities -- Washington Post opinions
Iraq: Mission Not Yet Accomplished -- Washington Post opinion
The Troop Drawdown Could Be Costly for Iraq -- Wall Street Journal opinion
Cracks show as US leaves Iraq cities -- The Guardian