Obama: Iraq Drawdown Is ‘on Schedule’
The term withdrawal seems a bit overstated when it comes to describing the changing US military strategy in Iraq, but President Obama emphasized the thematic over the technical in a speech he delivered Monday (continued).
The term withdrawal seems a bit overstated when it comes to describing the changing U.S. military strategy in Iraq, but President Obama emphasized the thematic over the technical in a speech he delivered Monday to a veterans’ group in Atlanta, during which he explicitly referenced “the end of America’s combat mission in Iraq” by the last day of this month. However, what that will actually look like may be different from how it might sound, as about 50,000 of the 65,000 American troops there now will remain in Iraq until the end of 2011.
Wait, before you go…BBC:
The remaining 50,000 troops will stay in the country in order to train Iraqi security forces, conduct counterterrorism operations and provide civilians with ongoing security, said Mr Obama.
But the president also warned the US had “not seen the end of American sacrifice in Iraq”.
He added: “But make no mistake, our commitment in Iraq is changing — from a military effort led by our troops to a civilian effort led by our diplomats.”
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
Middle East
Amid a severe drought, Afghan scientists are asking the international community to engage with the brutal new regime.
The much-awaited US-Taliban agreement could finally end the longest U.S. war, but an end to violence is not assured.
President Trump may have surrendered to the Taliban, but as Truthdig columnist Danny Sjursen notes, that may not amount to the end of the conflict.
Militants from the Islamic State group have declared war on Afghanistan's Shiites; IS claims responsibility for Friday's attack.
After nearly two decades, America's longest-running conflict appears to be coming to an end. Even a flawed peace deal is worth celebrating.
The agreement could see the withdrawal of all American and allied forces in the next 14 months — but it could also easily unravel.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.