Iraq Withdrawal: With US Troops Set To Exit, 9-Year War Draws To Close -- Howard La Franchi, Christian Science Monitor
Iraq withdrawal will occur by the end of this year, President Obama announced Friday. For the 39,000 US troops still in Iraq, withdrawal means most will be home for the holidays.
President Obama announced Friday that all US troops will be out of Iraq by the end of this year, closing a war that deposed a tyrant and much-feared regional bully – but at great cost to both Iraq and the United States.
“After nearly nine years, America’s war in Iraq will be over,” Mr. Obama declared at the White House. Most of the 39,000 troops still in Iraq should be “home for the holidays,” the president added, although the logistical challenges involved in removing so many soldiers in such a short time could mean the final few will not leave until January.
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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials
The Iraq Withdrawal Is Nothing to Brag About -- Max Boot, Commentary
U.S. Troop Withdrawal Motivated by Iraqi Insistence, Not U.S. Choice -- Yochi J. Dreazen, National Journal
Ahmadinejad: Iran’s Last President? -- Meir Javedanfar, The Diplomat
What exactly are US interests in North Korea? -- Stephen Costello, East Asia Forum
Endgame in Ukraine -- Fyodor Lukyanov, Russia in Global Affairs
Occupy Wall Street? These protests are not Tahrir Square but scenery -- Simon Jenkins, The Guardian
Beijing caught in debt dilemma -- Willy Lam, Asia Times
The week that will define Greece’s future -- Dr Roman Gerodimos, The Independent
Eurozone debt crisis: America fails to grasp urgency of Brussels summit -- Jason Farago, The Guardian