Iraqis split over plan for troop withdrawal

[unhappycamper]

Iraqis split over plan for troop withdrawal
By Sameer N. Yacoub - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 27, 2009 14:28:20 EST

BAGHDAD — Iraqis offered varying reactions Friday to President Barack Obama’s plan to remove U.S. combat forces by August 2010 — some applauding the withdrawal, but others questioning whether Iraq’s security forces were up to the task alone.

Several Iraqi TV stations broadcast live coverage of Obama’s speech at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“Iraq will regain independence and sovereignty, and the United States will get rid of many military and economic problems,” said Raji Abbas, a Shiite from the southern city of Najaf, where U.S. forces battled militias in 2004.

“But, before leaving Iraq, the U.S. Army should do their best to train and equip the Iraqi security forces so they can confront the dangers that are threatening the country,” he said.

Obama’s plan calls for withdrawing American combat troops by Aug. 31, 2010, leaving up to 50,000 troops to advise, train and provide counterterrorism support.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_iraqis_respond_withdrawal_022709/%2e