Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan Talks To A On What To Expect In Iraq After U.S. Troops Leave

WNU Editor: Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan talks to a KTRH-AM reporter, in Houston, Texas, about what is expected to happen once all U.S. troops leave Iraq.

Hat Tip: Theo Spark

News, Reflections, Opinions, And Analysis On The U.S. Withdrawal From Iraq

U.S. soldiers walk past tanks at a courtyard at Camp Liberty in Baghdad. U.S troops are scheduled to pull out of the country by the end of this year, according to a 2008 security pact between the U.S. and Iraq. (File September 30, 2011). Photo: Reuters

Soldiers, Pundits Debate Whether Iraq War Was Worth It -- Voice Of America

Of all the campaign promises U.S. President Barack Obama made, his pledge to pull troops out of Iraq is among the most memorable. Last Friday, Obama made good on that pledge, but not necessarily by choice.

For months, Shi’a Muslim leader Muqtada al-Sadr had been warning U.S. troops to get out of Iraq or face “resistance.”

Read more ....

More News, Analysis, And Commentary On The U.S. Withdrawal From Iraq

Obama Administration Defends Troop Withdrawal from Iraq -- Voice of America
Clinton warns Iran not to ‘miscalculate’ U.S. resolve as troops leave Iraq -- Washington Post
After Iraq pullout, U.S. serves a reminder to Iran -- Washington Post
U.S., Iraq work toward normal military relations: Pentagon -- Xinhuanet
The US departure from Iraq is an illusion -- James Denselow, The Guardian
In Iraq, Diplomatic Perspectives on a Deal Not Made -- Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times
Iraq war: Mission failed -- Michael Lind, Salon
Obama’s Iraq exit a risky strategy -- Steve Huntley, Chicago Sun-Times
Obama’s pyrrhic Iraq victory -- Washington Times editorial
Time to leave Iraq -- Baltimore Sun editorial
After 9 years, time for troops to leave Iraq -- USA Today editorial
Iraq is 'liberated' enough. Goodbye and good riddance -- L.A. Times
Of Course the Iraq War Would End in Iran's Empowerment -- Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic

Iraq Threatens To Break Military Ties With The U.S.

'We are securing trainers for the American weapons we purchased, but without immunity.' PHOTO: AFP/FILE

Iraq Threatens To Break Military Links With US -- Financial Times

Baghdad is threatening to break its military relations with Washington at the end of this year and use private contractors to train its armed forces, as the two sides struggle to agree on terms that would see a small number of American troops remain in Iraq next year.

The two sides have agreed in principle that several thousand US troops should stay in Iraq in a training capacity after the official end of the American mission at the end of the year, but they have become bogged down over whether to grant US troops immunity from prosecution if they commit crimes.

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My Comment: I guess this report from AFP is more accurate than this Reuter's report. What is my take .... this reveals how dirty Iraqi politics can be .... by saying that 5,000 US soldiers can be permitted to stay in Iraq in 2012 without immunity is a guarantee that no US soldiers will remain after 2011. But .... Iraq belongs to Iraq .... and if they want the US out .... we must positioned ourselves to accommodate them.

Iraq's Prime Minister: Some US Troops Can Remain After This Year

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al- Maliki speaks to the press in Baghdad (file photo).

EXCLUSIVE - Iraq's Maliki Says U.S. Military Trainers Might Stay -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said U.S. troops might still be able to stay in Iraq as trainers beyond a 2011 withdrawal date, even though the country's political blocs have rejected giving immunity to any American soldiers.

Maliki last week won backing from Iraq's leaders for U.S. troops to stay on for training, but without the legal immunity demanded by Washington as part of an accord for an American military role in Iraq more than eight years after the invasion.

Read more ....

More News On the American Withdrawal From Iraq

Iraq's Maliki says U.S. military trainers might stay past December -- Stars and Stripes
Iraqi Officials Consider Extension Options for US Troops -- Voice of America
Iraq 'may bar' US trainers from 2012: top official -- AFP
U.S. seeks to redraw Iraq training plan -- Washington Post
Timeline: Invasion, surge and withdrawal: U.S. troops in Iraq -- Reuters

My Comment: For the past year the Iraqi government has been all over the place on whether to keep (or not) US soldiers in the country. But with news stories like this one and this one .... they must now realize that some decision will have to be made. But with no immunity .... US forces will be leaving.

Decreasing U.S. Troops In Iraq Places American Soldiers At Risk

U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq

Decreasing Iraq Troops Places American Soldiers At Risk -- Washington Times

PHOENIX, September 14, 2011—President Obama's announcement that only 3,000 troops will be left in Iraq by the end of the year heralds a serious and dangerous downgrade from the current 45,000 troops, spelling disaster for our soldiers. According to a FOXNEWS report, President Obama’s military commanders are livid over this recent decision – a decision that Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, allegedly gave signature to.

President Obama may be trying to keep a 2008 campaign promise to remove our troops from Iraq however the problems is that regardless of what some misguided people may say, the war in Iraq is not over, there are current combat operations still occurring there. American troops are still being attacked and dying.

By leaving only 3,000 troops in a combat zone will save billions and billions of dollars. But, what is the real cost? American military lives are the cost.

Read more ....

My Comment: As to what these soldiers will be doing in Iraq .... here is some insight.

Iraq Agrees To A Continued US Troop Presence After 2011

Iraqi leaders have reportedly asked Washington to extend the U.S. military presence in their country beyond the withdrawal deadline in December. © flickr.com/ The U.S. Army

Iraqi Leaders Agree To Continued US Troop Presence Beyond 2011 -- Threat Matrix

As Iraqi political forces significantly realign their allegiances, leaders have agreed to negotiate a deal to allow some US troops to remain in Iraq beyond December 2011.

Background

Although the Iraqi security forces are capable of maintaining internal security, they are still many years away from developing a force that is capable of defending Iraq from external threats. The Iraqi security forces will require significant amounts of equipment and training assistance over the next five to 10 years in order to achieve this.

Read more ....

More News On Iraq Willing To Accept Some US Troops After 2011

Iraq Agrees to Negotiate U.S. Troop Presence Post-Withdrawal -- IBTimes
Baghdad wants some U.S. troops to stay on -- RIA Novosti
Unclear future ahead for U.S. troops in Iraq -- Xinhuanet
US drags its feet in Iraq -- Asia Times
U.S. Troop Withdrawal Rests on Decision From Iraq -- Jessica Rettig, US News & World Report

My Comment: The big question now is .... how many will stay behind.

Iranian Proxies Are Now Directly Threatening U.S. Forces In Iraq

U.S. soldiers attached to the Golden Lions forces patrol a street in the city of Kirkuk, 155 miles north of Baghdad July 20. Saad Shalash/Reuters

US Military Officials In Iraq Warn Of Growing Iranian Threat -- Christian Science Monitor

American military officials say the upcoming US withdrawal has emboldened Iranian-backed militias, which they blame for recent deadly attacks and allege are stockpiling weapons.

As the clock ticks toward full US military withdrawal from Iraq, American officials who want troops to stay longer continue to warn of a growing Iranian threat.

Some argue that the diminishing US presence is turning Iraq into an even-more contentious regional battlefield, giving rise to a low-grade war between the remaining American forces and what the US says are militias tied directly to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose rule is dependent on Iraqi parties with ties to Iran, appears unable or unwilling to crack down on the most lethal Iranian-back militias, blamed for June attacks that killed the largest number of American forces in two years.

Read more ....

My Comment: All parties in Iraq are positioning themselves for when the Americans leave .... and even though there are many in Iraq who want a continued U.S. presence, their voice is presently not being heard.

The Last Large-Scale American Unit Is Deployed To Iraq

Soldiers from D Company, 3rd Battalion, 166th Infantry, Virginia Army National Guard, engage targets with a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a Humvee during a gunnery qualification at the multi-purpose range complex on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind., June 17. The Virginia Soldiers are part of a task force with Soldiers from Kentucky and Utah deploying to Iraq that is expected to be the last large scale mobilization of troops to that country. Dvids

Last Large-Scale Unit Deploys To Iraq -- Dvids

CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER CENTER, Ind. - Everything that begins has an end. While that may come across as a tad cliché, it is nevertheless accurate. Operation Iraqi Freedom's end ushered Operation New Dawn. Now, Operation New Dawn is reaching its endgame. It's time to put the chairs on the tables, kill the lights and lock-up as we depart. Or not depart. Or as Yoda, from George Lucas' Star Wars films put it, "Difficult to see, the future is; always in motion."

The mission of Operation New Dawn is advise and assist, and there is still work to be done despite the looming deadline for withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country at the end of the year.

Read more ....

My Comment: Also .... joint operations in Iraq are now being scaled back.

U.S. Troops Are Ready To Leave Iraq

U.S. Military Prepares Its Exit From Iraq -- Sign On San Diego

Remaining U.S. troops are scheduled to withdraw by the end of this year.

Army Maj. Michael Rutherford, a San Diegan serving in Iraq with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, has one of the most important jobs in the war zone.

Every soldier stationed in Iraq is working, one way or another, to bring the last U.S. troops home after more than eight years at war in the Middle East. But as the American force heads for the exits, Rutherford is one of the few directly responsible for handing the keys to the last U.S. military bases to their new Iraqi landlords.

Read more ....

My Comment: My prediction .... this is what is going to happen, with probably a small contingent of U.S. special forces remaining behind (plus a lot of State and CIA personnel).

U.S. Secretary Of Defense Panetta Lands In Iraq To Discuss Attacks, Exit (Updated)

PANETTA IN IRAQ - U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks to troops at Camp Victory, Iraq, July 11, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

Panetta Airs Frustration Over Iraq -- Wall Street Journal

BAGHDAD—Visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta delivered a blunt message to the Iraqi government, which has frustrated the Pentagon by deliberating for months about whether to ask the U.S. to keep some of its troops in the country beyond Dec. 31: "Dammit, make a decision."

Mr. Panetta, speaking Monday to American troops in Baghdad, also stepped up public pressure on Iraq to do more to stem attacks on U.S. troops by Iran-backed Iraqi militias, saying the U.S. would "push the Iraqis to take on the responsibility" but would also "do what we have to do unilaterally" to protect American lives.

"We're going to take this on, straight on," he said, without offering any specifics.

Read more ....

More News On U.S. Secretary of Defense Panetta Visiting Iraq

Panetta: Doing every ‘damn’ thing he can -- Washington Post
Panetta to Iraq: Make a decision -- Politico
Panetta to discuss Iraqi troop levels -- Yahoo News/AP
Panetta: US will confront Iranian threat in Iraq -- Yahoo News/AP
U.S. to "take on" Iranians arming Iraq militants -- CBS
Panetta Says U.S. Presence in Iraq Will Endure -- New York Times
US forces attack Iraq Shia insurgents: Panetta -- Dawn/AFP
Panetta appears to link al-Qaeda presence with Iraq invasion -- Washington Post
Rockets hit Baghdad Green Zone as Panetta visits -- Yahoo News/AFP
Rockets hit Baghdad during visit by Pentagon chief -- Yahoo News/AP

US Defense Chief Concerned About Iranian Weapons in Iraq -- Voice of America
Panetta: Iranian weapons used to attack Americans in Iraq -- L.A. Times
Panetta Says Iranian Arms in Iraq Are a ‘Concern’ -- New York Times
Iraq must prevent attacks on Americans, Panetta says -- CNN
Panetta makes first trip to Iraq as defense secretary -- Washington Post
Panetta, in Baghdad, Will Urge Iraq to Act Against Attacks on U.S. Forces -- Wall Street Journal
Panetta in Iraq to see officials, commanders -- AP
New defense chief Panetta in Iraq, to press on drawdown -- Reuters
Panetta in Iraq as another US soldier killed -- AFP
Panetta Lands in Iraq to Discuss Attacks, Exit -- Bloomberg
Panetta in Iraq to Press for Decision on US Troops -- Voice of America
Panetta Arrives in Baghdad for Talks with Leaders -- U.S. Department of Defense
In Baghdad, Panetta warns Iran against arming Iraqi militias -- Stars and Stripes

U.S. Secretary Of Defense Panetta Lands In Iraq To Discuss Attacks, Exit

BAGHDAD ARRIVAL - U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta returns a salute by U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, as he arrives in Baghdad, July 10, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

Panetta To Push Iraq On US Military Presence -- Al Jazeera

Defence secretary's first visit comes as a new diplomatic push is made with the opening of a consulate in Irbil.

After arriving in Iraq on his first trip there as US defence secretary, Leon Panetta has said he will press his hosts on the fate of American military presence.

His unannounced arrival on Sunday came as a new diplomatic push was being made with the opening of another US consulate, in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil.

The US embassy in Baghdad - already the world's largest - has been expanding as the US transitions from a military to a civilian-led mission in Iraq.

Read more ....

More News On U.S. Secretary Of Defense Panetta In Iraq

Panetta: Iranian weapons used to attack Americans in Iraq -- L.A. Times
Panetta Says Iranian Arms in Iraq Are a ‘Concern’ -- New York Times
Iraq must prevent attacks on Americans, Panetta says -- CNN
Panetta makes first trip to Iraq as defense secretary -- Washington Post
Panetta, in Baghdad, Will Urge Iraq to Act Against Attacks on U.S. Forces -- Wall Street Journal
Panetta in Iraq to see officials, commanders -- AP
New defense chief Panetta in Iraq, to press on drawdown -- Reuters
Panetta in Iraq as another US soldier killed -- AFP
Panetta Lands in Iraq to Discuss Attacks, Exit -- Bloomberg
Panetta in Iraq to Press for Decision on US Troops -- Voice of America
Panetta Arrives in Baghdad for Talks with Leaders -- U.S. Department of Defense
In Baghdad, Panetta warns Iran against arming Iraqi militias -- Stars and Stripes

U.S. Special Operations Commandos Will Probably Stay In Iraq

American commandos advised Iraqis on a recent mission in Baghdad. Joseph Sywenkyj for The New York Times

Taking Lead, Iraqis Hope U.S. Special Operations Commandos Stay -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — In darkness and dressed in black, the American and Iraqi Special Operations commandos navigated the dense urban neighborhood here in the capital and approached a house they believed to be a hide-out for two brothers suspected of carrying out assassinations and car-bomb attacks. As the Iraqis bashed in the door, the sound of glass shattering and screams pierced the nighttime stillness.

The Americans, having spent years taking the lead on such missions, waited outside until the house was secure.

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My Comment: The Iraqi Generals and officers know the value that U.S. soldiers/special commandos bring to their operations and organizations. The question is .... do the Iraqi politicians share these opinions, and will they act on them if they do. My prediction .... by the end of this summer an Iraqi request will be made that some U.S. soldiers should remain.

Admiral Recommends Keeping U.S. Commandos In Iraq

Photo: Vice Adm. William McRaven

Adm. McRaven Advises Keeping Some U.S. Commandos in Iraq -- Wall Street Journal

The U.S. is still waiting for an invitation from Iraq before making a decision on whether to keep troops there past the end of this year. But Vice Adm. William McRaven, President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead Special Operations Command, said there is a need for a small contingent of U.S. commandos to remain in the country.

“Clearly there is still a threat in Iraq and a small SOF presence there would be advisable,” Adm. McRaven said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday.

Military officials remain wary of Iranian backed militias that operate in Iraq.

Read more ....

Update: Admiral: US commando team should stay in Iraq -- Yahoo News/AP

My Comment: My prediction is that Adm. McRaven will get his wish in keeping some U.S. troops in Iraq.

Will U.S. Forces Remain In Iraq?

U.S. Army Pfc. John Henry assigned to the 0832 Military Transition Team, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, takes a short break while conducting a joint clearing operation with Iraqi army soldiers from 3rd Company, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Infantry Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division in Ali Shaheen, Iraq, March 7, 2008. U.S. Army Sgt. Timothy Kingsto

General: Time Running Out For Iraq To Ask U.S. Forces To Stay -- Washington Post

A top American general in Iraq said Wednesday that as U.S. troop withdrawals continue, it will be more and more difficult to change direction if the Baghdad government decides toward the end of the year that it wants some American forces to stay behind.

“There is paralysis at the strategic level,” Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Forces-Iraq, told reporters in a telephone briefing. He said that so far he has gotten no official word on reaching a new agreement on troops from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is serving as minister of defense and minister of interior while those posts remain vacant.

Read more ....

Update #1: Army on course to leave Iraq by December -- Army.mil
Update #2: Small U.S. force to stay in Iraq after 2011 deadline: report -- Xinhuanet

My Comment: My prediction ..... approximately 10,000 U.S. troops will remain in Iraq after this year.

U.S. Troops Saying Goodbye To Their Palace Digs In Iraq

Bye-Bye Bidets! US Troops Leaving Saddam Palaces -- Stars and Stripes/AP

BAGHDAD (AP) -- Available soon: nine palaces in lakeside complex frequented by visiting kings and dictators, beautiful molded ceilings and light fixtures, many bidets, Saddam Hussein mural and former prison cell. As is, with Tomahawk missile damage. Contact: U.S. Army.

Thus might read a real estate ad for the Victory Base Complex, one of the many properties the U.S. military is vacating as the Dec. 31 deadline for its withdrawal from Iraq approaches. It will leave behind probably some of the most elaborate, some would say tacky, office spaces ever used by American soldiers, sailors or Marines.

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My Comment: More pics of Saddam's palaces and U.S. troops can be found here.

Massive Rally In Iraq Against U.S. Troops

A woman holds a picture of Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr as his supporters rally in Baghdad's Sadr city. [REUTERS]

Iraq: Thousands Rally Against U.S. Troops -- Time/AP

(BAGHDAD) — Iraqi Shi'ite militia fighters led a massive rally of followers of a hard-liner anti-American cleric on Thursday, marching in Baghdad in a show of defiance as Iraqi leaders weigh whether to keep U.S. troops in the country beyond the end of the year.

An estimated 70,000 supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr waved Iraqi flags and shouted "No, no, America!" as the tight columns of the unarmed but ominous Mahdi Army marched though one of Baghdad's poorest neighborhoods.

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More News On Today's Protests Against U.S. Troops In Iraq

Al-Sadr followers rally in Iraq against US troops -- Yahoo News/AP
Sadr supporters rally against US presence in Iraq -- AFP
Thousands of Sadr supporters rally against U.S. in Baghdad -- Washington Post
Sadr supporters rally over US troops in Iraq -- Al Jazeera
Al-Sadr followers rally in Iraq against US troops -- Newsday
Iraqis protest to demand U.S. honors troops' withdrawal deal -- CNN
U.S. general: Militant attacks on American troops in Iraq on the rise -- CNN
Massive Baghdad Shiite Rally Chants 'No, No America' -- Andrew G. Bostom, American Thinker
Gates Urges Iraq to Let U.S. Troops Stay Longer -- Wall Street Journal
Iraqi forces eye readiness ahead of US pullout -- Reuters
FACTBOX-Future U.S. military role strains shaky Iraq coalition -- Reuters

U.S. Pushes Iraq To Decide On Troop Extension After 2011

MOSUL MESSAGE - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates talks with soldiers and airmen during a trip to Mosul, Iraq, Apr.il 8, 2011. Gates met with the U.S. and Iraqi leaders and U.S. troops while there. He also held discussions with the troops while taking photos and giving coins to them. The troops are assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison

Gates: U.S. Troops Could Stay In Iraq For Years -- Stars And Stripes

MOSUL, Iraq — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said U.S. troops could remain in Iraq for years to come.

It would depend, he said, on what the Iraqis want and what Washington is willing to give.

Gates met soldiers of the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in Mosul, where — like the troops Gates met one day earlier in Baghdad — they asked if they would actually be staying beyond 2011, and if so, for how long.

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More News On US Soldiers Staying In Iraq Past The Deadline Date Of Leaving

Gates: US troops could remain in Iraq after 2011 -- Seattle Times/AP
Gates says Iraq to decide on post-2011 US troops -- AFP
Gates: US troops could remain in Iraq after 2011 -- AP
U.S. pushes Iraq to decide on troop extension -- Reuters
Robert Gates: US Iraq troops 'could stay longer' -- BBC
Iraqi Deputy Says U.S. Wants To Maintain Troop Presence -- Radio Free Europe

My Comment: It looks like there will be a US military presence in Iraq after the end of this year.

Preparing The U.S. Public For A Longer Stay In Iraq

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (r.) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen arrive for a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Thursday. Gates discussed the possibility of some US troops remaining in Iraq next year. Jim Young/Reuters

Iraq War: Why US Military Withdrawal Might Not Happen In 2011 -- Christian Science Monitor

The US military is scheduled to leave Iraq in December 2011, ending its involvement in the Iraq war. But it looks increasingly likely that Iraq will ask for some US troops to stay.

It is looking increasingly likely that American troops will stay in Iraq beyond December 2011 scheduled date of withdrawal for the US military – a prospect that appears to be gaining bipartisan support in Congress.

One congressman suggested Thursday that the politically acceptable size of the force that would remain in Iraq “could be 20,000.”

Read more ....

More News On U.S. Soldiers Staying In Iraq After 2011

Expect a Longer Stay in Iraq, Says Democratic Congressman -- Wall Street Journal
Rep. Smith: Iraq 'highly likely' to ask U.S. troops to remain -- The Hill
Rep expects troops to remain in Iraq into 2012 -- Stars And Stripes
Gates says funding cut could put gains in Iraq at risk -- CNN
Gates Warns Of Security Problems In Iraq After U.S. Withdrawal -- Radio Free Europe

My Comment: When a deadline for the American withdrawal from Iraq was announced last year .... I scoffed at it. Now .... the adults in the room are saying the same thing. Expect a small detachment of U.S. soldiers (about 20,000) staying in Iraq for the next 5 - 10 years.

U.S. Still Stands By Its Military Agreements With Iraq

Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, the deputy commander of US forces in Iraq, holds a news conference as he handed authority on Tuesday to the last general likely to hold that post, Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick (not pictured), at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad's Camp Victory on Feb. 8. Mohammed Ameen/Reuters

U.S. Stands By Iraqi Military Agreement -- UPI

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. military relationship with Iraq is outlined by a bilateral agreement that calls for U.S. forces to leave at the end of the year, a spokesman said.

Washington and Baghdad signed a bilateral status of forces agreement in 2008 that calls on all U.S. military forces to leave Iraq by the end of 2011. James Jeffrey, the U.S. envoy to Iraq, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week that Iraq would be "relatively stable" with American troops gone by 2012.

Read more ....

Update #1: Violence continues in Iraq as US mission changes -- AP
Update #2: US reports 20 percent drop in Iraq violence -- Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: There is talk that there may be a change in the U.S. - Iraq withdrawal agreement .... violence and terrorism is still pervasive in Iraq .... and some are saying that it may be too soon for U.S. forces to leave.

My take .... we are leaving. And while there will be a sizable non-U.S. military presence in Iraq, there is no political will in Washington to keep a significant combat presence in the country. In fact .... saying good riddance is what is probably on the minds of most U.S. politicians and the general public at large.

President Obama's Iraq Speech: Reactions And News Roundup

Obama: Time To Turn The Page In Iraq -- Yahoo News/Reuters

WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD (Reuters) – President Barack Obama declared an end to the seven-year U.S. combat mission in Iraq on Tuesday and promised recession-weary Americans "my central responsibility" now is to repair the U.S. economy.

Obama, who inherited the war from President George W. Bush and is fighting another in Afghanistan, said he had fulfilled a 2008 campaign promise to end U.S. combat operations in Iraq and declared the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for their security.

Read more ....

More News On Iraq

US changes military commanders in Iraq -- Yahoo News/AP
Iraq hails sovereignty as U.S. ends combat mission -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Iraq Hails Sovereignty as U.S. Departs -- New York Times/Reuters
Iraq wins independence as U.S. ends combat role: PM -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Iraq 'independent' as the US combat operation ends -- BBC
Iraq celebrates as US ends combat operations -- Scotsman

US forces officially begin new Iraq mission: Biden -- AFP
Biden: Time to turn attention from Iraq to economy -- AP
Biden meets with top Iraqi politicians amid end of combat operations -- Washington Post
Biden Visits Iraq to Mark Operation New Dawn -- U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. forces begin new mission in Iraq: Biden -- Xinhuanet
Biden, in Baghdad, marks the formal transfer of military control to Iraqis -- USA Today

Gates Visits Birthplace of Iraqi Turnaround -- Voice of America
Gates Sees Iraq Successes Forever 'Clouded' by Faulty WMD Intel -- FOX News
Gates, in Iraq, Takes the Long View -- New York Times
U.S. defense secretary says war is over in Iraq -- Xinhuanet
Gates: War in Iraq Over, U.S. Transitioning to Iraqi Forces -- US Department of Defense
Iraq Politicians Must Build on Gains, Mullen Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Mullen Notes Iraq’s Progress from ‘Desperate’ Situation -- US Department of Defense
Iraqi Commanders Say They Are Ready to Handle Security -- Voice of America
Iraq civilian deaths dip as U.S. combat mission ends -- Reuters
As Combat Operations End, Iraq Remains a War Zone -- ABC News
After Years of War, Few Iraqis Have a Clear View of the Future -- New York Times

More News On President Obama's Speech From the Oval Office

Prepared text of President Obama's remarks on Iraq -- McClatchy News

Obama: US combat in Iraq over, 'time to turn page' -- Yahoo News/AP
Obama: Time to turn the page in Iraq -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Obama declares an end to Iraq combat mission -- Yahoo News/AFP
Obama: Time to turn the page on U.S. mission in Iraq -- McClatchy News
Obama: Time To Turn The Page On Iraq -- Voice of America
Pushing onward to other battles -- Boston.com
Obama's speech on August 31 declares combat in Iraq over -- Washington Post
Obama marks end of combat mission in Iraq -- L.A. Times
President Obama Marks End of Combat in Iraq, Cite
Challenges Ahead -- ABC News
Obama 'awed' by US Iraq sacrifice -- BBC
Obama Hails End of Iraq Combat, Stresses Economy -- CBS News
Obama declares 'combat mission in Iraq has ended' -- CNN
Obama Marks End of U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq, Salutes Bush -- FOX News
Obama declares it's time to turn page on U.S. mission in Iraq -- The Hill
Obama declares end to Iraq war, pledging it's 'time to turn the page' and focus on economy -- New York Daily News
Obama on Iraq: 'It's Time to Turn the Page' -- Time Magazine
Barack Obama ends the war in Iraq. 'Now it's time to turn the page' -- The Guardian
America calls end to front line operations in Iraq -- the Telegraph
Farewell to Iraq, but no talk of mission accomplished -- The Independent
Obama ends 'combat mission' in Iraq -- Al Jazeera
Obama: 'Operation Iraqi Freedom Is Over' -- NPR
Obama ends Iraq combat effort: 'Time to turn page' -- CTV
Obama addresses nation, declares 'Operation Iraqi Freedom is over' -- Stars And Stripes

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

A Bush-Like Address -- Yahoo News/The Daily Beast
A Tiny Treasury of Responses to Obama's Address on Iraq -- Steve Huff, New York Observer
Securing Our Interests, and Iraq’s -- National Review editorial
As Obama declares end of combat in Iraq, its citizens move forward with uncertainty -- Leila Fadel, Washington Post
Iraq Through the Looking Glass -- Victor Davis Hanson, National Review
Obama's Iraq speech: a salute, not a victory lap -- Greg Sargent, Washington Post
A Fragile Turning Point -- Sabrina Tavernise, New York Times
FACT CHECK: Is Iraq combat really over for US? -- Yahoo News/AP
Reflections on Iraq: A Vacuum of Authority -- Dexter Filkins, New York Times
Analysis: Has Iraq war really ended for Obama, US? -- AP
McCain: Iraq Milestone No Thanks to Obama -- CBS News
Iraqis Judge America’s Seven Years in Their Country -- Stephen Farrell And Baghdad Bureau, New York Times
Obama Claims End to “Combat Operations” in Iraq -- Thomas R. Eddlem, New American
A grim speech for a grim war -- Roger Simon, Politico
Does Bush deserve more credit for Iraq? -- Stephen Dinan, Washington Times
Iraq: By The Numbers -- NPR (Audio)
The US Army has left Iraq. Now what? -- Rozzaq al-Saiedi, GlobalPost
Iraq pullout unlikely to push down war spending -- Yahoo News/AFP
Analyzing President Obama's Iraq speech -- NECN
Analysis: Obama makes clear Iraq's future is its own -- USA Today
Obama sees Iraq vow fulfilled -- Washington Times
Obama Speech Offers Opportunity for Healing -- Bob Beckel, FOX News
Obama's frustrating, unfocused speech on Iraq. -- Fred Kaplan, Slate
By overthrowing regional order, US unleashed a genie -- Paul Salem, The National
Who won in Iraq? -- The Telegraph editorial
Obama's Oval Office speech was good, but the gravitas was great -- Eugene Robinson, Washington Post
The truths about Iraq that Obama couldn't utter -- Joe Conason, Salon
Our view on Iraq: Combat mission ends, but Iraq's fate remains uncertain -- USA Today editorial

My Comment: The final note on the Iraq War for America should (and probably will be) the following .... US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,416.