President Barack Obama has proclaimed, “Operation Iraqi Freedom is over.”
As commander in chief of our armed forces, he has that power.
But unfortunately, the violent elements seeking to take over Iraq have not declared that their efforts are “over.”
We hope Iraqi forces will be able to subdue the large dissident elements and establish peace and order. That is a big “hope.”
Many Americans who heard the president make his declaration on a national broadcast surely join him in his desire to end American combat in Iraq. But nearly 50,000 American troops will remain in Iraq indefinitely to support Iraqi troops.
“It is time to turn the page,” Obama said. But what will be on the next page? Obama has said American combat has ended. But there is every indication that at least some level of violence will continue to challenge the Iraqi armed forces and the Iraqi government.
We recall with great sadness that American troops have been at war in Iraq for more than seven years — with more than 4,400 Americans killed and many thousands more wounded, and with an expenditure of many billions of dollars.
Yet there is no certain U.S. or Iraqi “victory,” no guarantee of a stable, safe and satisfactory solution.
There will be no full withdrawal of Americans immediately. We have yet to see what the ultimate outcome will be.
Call them what you will,the US troops that remain in Iraq are hardened combat ready warriors,50,000 strong. We are not out yet.
As to victory or defeat...what does it mean? Are the Sunni minority now the bad guys,the Shia,the good guys? We don't know and we can't know. We have wasted American blood and treasure and it's still happening.
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