Getting Ready For The Withdrawal From Iraq

American soldiers met with the Iraqi police along the main highway running between Kuwait and American bases in Iraq. Max Becherer for The New York Times

U.S. Braces For Withdrawal Along Iraqi Road -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — Even as the American military winds down its eight-year war in Iraq, commanders are bracing for what they fear could be the most dangerous remaining mission: getting the last troops out safely.

The resurgent threat posed by militants was underscored Monday when rockets slammed into a military base in eastern Baghdad, killing five service members in the most deadly day for American forces here since 2009. In recent weeks, insurgent fighters have stepped up their efforts to kill American forces in what appears to be a strategy to press the United States to withdraw on schedule, undercut any resolve to leave troops in Iraq, and win a public relations victory at home by claiming credit for the American withdrawal.

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My Comment: The situation in Iraq is still unstable .... and still very dangerous. While I do not have any confidence that Iraq will eventually solve it`s sectarian troubles (at least in my lifetime) .... I do hope that the U.S. will still proceed in withdrawing on the schedule that was agreed upon, and leave the Iraqis to sort out the future that they want without the U.S. looking over their shoulders.