Keith just reported that the current combat operation officially continues until August 31st.

[onehandle]

That's when it becomes a new phase.

And yes I KNOW that the 'combat troops' have left tonight, BUT that IS what he said.

[babylonsister]

1. Might be tough to do with no combat troops remaining. That's

what Richard Engle said on nbc nightly news.

[ProSense]

2. No he didn't, and Rachel Maddow says it's over,

completely over.

[book_worm]

3. "technically" perhaps you didn't hear that they are leaving 2-weeks early

oops, I know you are broken hearted. Just heard Keith say that it is a "gate closed" on combat mission.

[onehandle]

4. I wasn't talking about the troops, but the the current operation. nt

[jenmito]

5. No-he said, "OFFICIALLY, 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' continues 'til September 1st, but for all intents

and purposes, this part is as closed as the gate behind that last vehicle is closed as of this hour."

[onehandle]

6. Yes. That is the current operation. Thank you for confirming my OP. nt

[jenmito]

7. "...but for all intents and purposes, this part is as closed as the gate behind that last vehicle

is closed as of this hour."

[onehandle]

8. And on September 1st it will be 'Operation New Dawn.' nt

[jenmito]

9. But for all intents and purposes Operation Iraqi Freedom is closed as of tonight. n/t

[Exilednight]

10. This is IRONY to say the least.......

I remember when Bush used to try and differentiate between combat and support troops and people, some in this very thread (DU rules prevent me from pointing them out by name) who are now trying to sell the difference, didn't accept the difference from Bush.

The irony? They seem to be buying it now. Everyone seems to think that "support" troops aren't armed or trained in combat. Little lesson for those that never served in the military: every soldier, airmen, marine and sailor is a combat troop.

More irony? Everyone knew that private contractors were just another form of "combat troops". They just weren't accounted for in the tally. Again, no one bought it when Bush tried to sell it, but they're eating it up now.

So, you have 50,000 troops left behind, and an additional 7,000 armed war profiteers, which gives us a total of 57,000 armed "troops" Or, the equivalent of 2 full Army divisions.

[grasswire]

11. and even with that much strength...

...this morning's paper reported that horrible mayhem occurred in Baghdad. Among other things, a judge was killed, four other judges were injured by assassins carrying pistols, a couple of other officials were killed......

[mkultra]

14. thats because Bush is a liar.

Are you stating the Obama equally dishonest?

[Exilednight]

16. Is he a politician? n/t

[mkultra]

17. Is he human?

You are as much a liar as Obama. Probably more. Bush excels at it.

[Phx_Dem]

12. No, that is not exactly what he said.

There are 6,000 troops left who are, officially, part of the "combat" troops, but they are no longer in a combat role. And they will be leaving before August 31.

[DevonRex]

13. It must really suck to be you. That is all. nt

[mkultra]

15. If you really care about this, then you are as bad as the media.