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October 21, 2011 12:23 PM
Obama announces end of Iraq war, troops to return home by year end
By Brian Montopoli
President Obama announced Friday that the United States will withdraw nearly all troops from Iraq by the end of the year, effectively bringing the long war in Iraq to an end.
"After nearly 9 years, America's war in Iraq will be over," said Mr. Obama, who said the last American troops will depart the country "with their heads held high, proud of their success" by January 1st.
"Our troops are finally coming home," he added, saying they "will definitely be home for the holidays."
America has withdrawn nearly 100,000 troops from Iraq already as part of the current drawdown, and about 40,000 troops - who are deemed "non-combat" - remain. Mr. Obama said Friday that "Iraqis have taken full responsibility for their country's security" and that the relationship between the United States and Iraq will be one of equals.
As of January 1st, he said, "it will be a normal relationship between sovereign nations, an equal partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect."
Mr. Obama discussed the planned announcement earlier in the day with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki over secure video conference.
Obama announces end of Iraq war, troops to return home by year end
By Brian Montopoli
President Obama announced Friday that the United States will withdraw nearly all troops from Iraq by the end of the year, effectively bringing the long war in Iraq to an end.
"After nearly 9 years, America's war in Iraq will be over," said Mr. Obama, who said the last American troops will depart the country "with their heads held high, proud of their success" by January 1st.
"Our troops are finally coming home," he added, saying they "will definitely be home for the holidays."
America has withdrawn nearly 100,000 troops from Iraq already as part of the current drawdown, and about 40,000 troops - who are deemed "non-combat" - remain. Mr. Obama said Friday that "Iraqis have taken full responsibility for their country's security" and that the relationship between the United States and Iraq will be one of equals.
As of January 1st, he said, "it will be a normal relationship between sovereign nations, an equal partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect."
Mr. Obama discussed the planned announcement earlier in the day with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki over secure video conference.