Iraq - The end of a road

[The Stig]

As I'm sure most of you have heard, the last US combat troops have pulled out of Iraq. Over 7 years after the Iraq War started, I think we can finally say that, for the US at least, the Iraq War is over.

As much as we may argue about the reasons for the war and the legacy of the war, let us never forget the sacrifice of those who fought and especially of those who died. Their courage and dedication transcends and dwarfs any of our political squabbles.

[EasyEd]

Remember "Mission Accomplished"? President Obama may rue the day he proclaimed the end of combat operations in Iraq. 50,000 troops will be left behind for, what he calls, training and advice, but they will still be targets for those who oppose us in Iraq. Plus, according to the AP, they will accompany Iraqi combat troops, if asked. Of course the lap-dog press is also loudly proclaiming it's the end of American combat operations. Better to wait until it's all over before trumpeting triumph. Ask W.

[theexorcist]

I won't bring up anything partisan, but we still have 50,000 troops there, as ed mentioned - about as many people as Slovakia has in there entire military. The country still hasn't agreed on a prime minister, and Iran's right next door.

For the US, OIF is over, but it's too early to make the same claim on the Iraq War.

[The Stig]

That's why I said "The end of A road" not "The end of THE road." Things aren't over in Iraq (and Obama has never said they were), but this is a major step. When historians look back on the war, yesterday will probably be cited as the day the war ended.

[theexorcist]

Aug 19, 2010 10:39:05 GMT -5 The Stig said:

That's why I said "The end of A road" not "The end of THE road." Things aren't over in Iraq (and Obama has never said they were), but this is a major step. When historians look back on the war, yesterday will probably be cited as the day the war ended.

I'll disagree. The US had "advisors" in Vietnam before ramping up, and those years are still considered as part of the war years.

I also don't think it's a major step. If Iran invades (remarkably unlikely) and we go back or the government collapses (50-50) and we go back in, then yesterday didn't mean anything. This needs a year or two to determine where we are to determine what it means.

[EasyEd]

White House says combat operations are coming to an end.

www.whitehouse.gov/

[Nevada Hoya]

Whether this is the end or not, let us remember all our soldiers, who have died in Iraq. A special remembrance should go to Spec. Faith R. Hinkley of Colorado Springs, CO, who seems to be the last combat troup to die in Iraq on Aug. 7.