In Iraq, Clear Signs Of A New U.S. Mission -- Washington Post
BAGHDAD - The U.S. military's war is officially over in Iraq, even as the future of the country remains undecided. The signs of the end were everywhere Wednesday, despite the presence of about 49,000 American troops who remain mostly sequestered on large U.S. bases.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates touched down in the morning at al-Asad Air Base, which was once home to 22,000 Marines and now serves primarily as a takeoff point for planes ferrying troops home from Iraq. He took questions from troops who pressed him with queries about their retirement and health benefits and barely mentioned the war. By afternoon, Gates and Vice President Biden were presiding over what will likely be the war's last four-star change of command.
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More News On Iraq
U.S. military adopts new role in Iraq -- Washington Post
Gates: War in Iraq Over, U.S. Transitioning to Iraqi Forces -- U.S. Department of Defense
Biden: U.S. Effort in Iraq Goes On Despite Mission Change -- U.S. Department of Defense
Reason for war invalid: Gates -- The Age
Gates: Iraq outcome 'will always be clouded by how it began' -- McClatchy News
Gates: History will judge legacy of Iraq -- Xinhuanet
US forces still in fight at end of combat mission -- AP
Troops, families glad to hear end to Iraq combat -- AP
U.S., Iraqis mark end of combat under cloud of pessimism -- L.A. Times
Iraq and the Costs of War -- ABC News
How Obama's Speech Played in Iraq -- Time Magazine
Iraq exit not as clear cut as it seems -- Financial Times
Iraq still far from sovereign -- Jacques Clement, Middle East Online
Mission in Iraq not quite accomplished -- Miami Herald editorial
The Iraq war: Mission truncated -- The Economist
At the Iraq war's end, a shrug of uncertainty -- David Ignatius, Washington Post