Obama formalizes plan for 2010 Iraq pullout

[unhappycamper]

President Obama discusses Feb. 27 his plan to withdraw combat forces from Iraq during a speech in Camp Lejeune, N.C.


Obama formalizes plan for 2010 Iraq pullout
By Ben Feller - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 27, 2009 17:59:56 EST

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — President Barack Obama consigned the Iraq war to history Friday, declaring he will end combat operations within 18 months and open a new era of diplomacy in the Middle East.

“Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end,” Obama told Marines who are about to deploy by the thousands to the other war front, Afghanistan.

Even so, Obama will leave the bulk of troops in place this year, contrary to hopes of Democratic leaders for a speedier pullout. And after combat forces withdraw, 35,000 to 50,000 will stay behind for an additional year and half of support and counterterrorism duties.

Just six weeks into office, Obama used blunt terms and a cast-in-stone promise to write the last chapter of a war that began six years ago. It has cost more in lives, money and national stamina than ever envisioned.

Like Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon before him, Obama came into office with an inherited war he pledged to end without delay. Eisenhower did, in Korea. Nixon didn’t, in Vietnam. Obama says he will.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_obama_iraq_022709/%2e