No equivocation in Obama's Iraq exit pledge today

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from the speech at Camp Lejeune: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/us/politics/27obama-text.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print

{snip}

Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end.

As we carry out this drawdown, my highest priority will be the safety and security of our troops and civilians in Iraq. We will proceed carefully, and I will consult closely with my military commanders on the ground and with the Iraqi government. There will surely be difficult periods and tactical adjustments. But our enemies should be left with no doubt: this plan gives our military the forces and the flexibility they need to support our Iraqi partners, and to succeed.

After we remove our combat brigades, our mission will change from combat to supporting the Iraqi government and its Security Forces as they take the absolute lead in securing their country. As I have long said, we will retain a transitional force to carry out three distinct functions: training, equipping, and advising Iraqi Security Forces as long as they remain non-sectarian; conducting targeted counter-terrorism missions; and protecting our ongoing civilian and military efforts within Iraq. Initially, this force will likely be made up of 35-50,000 U.S. troops.

Through this period of transition, we will carry out further redeployments. And under the Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government, I intend to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. We will complete this transition to Iraqi responsibility, and we will bring our troops home with the honor that they have earned."

[Windy]

1. Excellent speech. The tide has changed. We have a leader who respects the military

one who is pragmatic and in charge with common sense, strategy and intelligence.

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4. now for the implementation

The military direction is the easier part. The fight for the aid and assistance will be a harder effort.

And, you are correct. "The tide has changed."

[NightWatcher]

2. I predict those 35K will be dealing with a shitstorm

it's really not fair for them.
Fuck the Iraqis, leave them be. Transition to no troops. If the Iraqis want they can hire private contractors.

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3. we really can't leave soon enough, in my view