Official announcement came today that combat troops will leave Iraq by August 31, 2010 (two months later than the timetable Obama ran on in the campaign… which I was impressed to see him openly acknowledge in the speech), with around 50,000 (+/- 10,000?) troops remaining for training, intelligence, and security needs until December 2011. Probably not news to many, but I wanted to put this up to mark the occasion and my appreciation of something I’ve wanted to hear for several years now. He also surprised me with a little message for the Iraqi people: “Hostility and hatred are no match for justice; they offer no pathway to peace; and they must not stand between the people of Iraq and a future of reconciliation and hope.” and “The United States pursues no claim on your territory or your resources.”
Partial transcript below (of my favorite segment, courtesy of Crooks and Liars), and complete video here if you missed it.
As a nation, we have had our share of debates about the war in Iraq. It has, at times, divided us as a people. To this very day, there are some Americans who want to stay in Iraq longer, and some who want to leave faster. But there should be no disagreement on what the men and women of our military have achieved.And so I want to be very clear: We sent our troops to Iraq to do away with Saddam Hussein’s regime – and you got the job done. We kept our troops in Iraq to help establish a sovereign government – and you got the job done. And we will leave the Iraqi people with a hard-earned opportunity to live a better life – that is your achievement; that is the prospect that you have made possible.
There are many lessons to be learned from what we’ve experienced. We have learned that America must go to war with clearly defined goals, which is why I’ve ordered a review of our policy in Afghanistan. We have learned that we must always weigh the costs of action, and communicate those costs candidly to the American people, which is why I’ve put Iraq and Afghanistan into my budget. We have learned that in the 21st century, we must use all elements of American power to achieve our objectives, which is why I am committed to building our civilian national security capacity so that the burden is not continually pushed on to our military. We have learned that our political leaders must pursue the broad and bipartisan support that our national security policies depend upon, which is why I will consult with Congress and in carrying out my plans. And we have learned the importance of working closely with friends and allies, which is why we are launching a new era of engagement in the world.
The starting point for our policies must always be the safety of the American people. I know that you – the men and women of the finest fighting force in the history of the world – can meet any challenge, and defeat any foe. And as long as I am your Commander-in-Chief, I promise you that I will only send you into harm’s way when it is absolutely necessary, and provide you with the equipment and support you need to get the job done. That is the most important lesson of all – for the consequences of war are dire, the sacrifices immeasurable.
It’s nice to have a President who uses big people words again.
I would also like to Point out with the return of the last 35 Inteligence members today saturday Feb 28, 2009. Who just touched down not to long ago. We now have officaly all of are Utah National Gard members home from all conflicts abroad. In my oppinion a much much more reason to rejoice. with personal ties to the group that returned its a great thing.
But my question back to you jason would be i think obamas speach is going to go down like bush claming an end to the war on the Air Craft Carrier years ago. Coming out and just throwing out some dates while we have a weak plan and are makeing a HUGE!!!!!!!!!!! Mistake in are afghanistan plan! i think its all a part of this great Lead hope Ballon, and we all know how good those lead ballons fly
Big people words = false hope & deception…OH, now I get it!
No nigel you don’t get it. But plowking does and we need to remember the lead up to Iraq as a lesson. It’s nice to have a president giving dates certain and finally pulling us out of this mess we never belonged in, but we need to be prepared to hold him to it, just in case. It’s also notable that the December 2011 deadline for all troops coming home is going to come just weeks before the 2012 re-election cycle begins. If Obama back-tracks on that date for full withdrawal of troops, the political cost will be big, which I’m sure he was aware of when he committed to this strategy for withdrawal.
Nevertheless, if the motivation for specific dates/deadlines is political and not necessarily for the security of American troops and the Iraqis, then that is not commendable. I hope that President Obama will resist the foolish political desires of many in his party (unlike Guantanamo and the Stimulus), and be willing to send troops back home when the time is right, not just politically expedient.