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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhat President Obama Said About Withdrawing From Iraq
excerpt from remarks of President Obama about withdrawing from Iraq at Camp Lejeune, N.C., on Feb. 27, 2009____ On my first full day in office, I directed my national security team to undertake a comprehensive review of our strategy in Iraq to determine the best way to strengthen that foundation, while strengthening American national security. I have listened to my Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and commanders on the ground. We have acted with careful consideration of events on the ground; with respect for the security agreements between the United States and Iraq; and with a critical recognition that the long-term solution in Iraq must be political not military. Because the most important decisions that have to be made about Iraqs future must now be made by Iraqis.
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What we will not do is let the pursuit of the perfect stand in the way of achievable goals. We cannot rid Iraq of all who oppose America or sympathize with our adversaries. We cannot police Iraqs streets until they are completely safe, nor stay until Iraqs union is perfected. We cannot sustain indefinitely a commitment that has put a strain on our military, and will cost the American people nearly a trillion dollars. Americas men and women in uniform have fought block by block, province by province, year after year, to give the Iraqis this chance to choose a better future. Now, we must ask the Iraqi people to seize it.
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The drawdown of our military should send a clear signal that Iraqs future is now its own responsibility. The long-term success of the Iraqi nation will depend upon decisions made by Iraqs leaders and the fortitude of the Iraqi people. Iraq is a sovereign country with legitimate institutions; America cannot and should not take their place. However, a strong political, diplomatic, and civilian effort on our part can advance progress and help lay a foundation for lasting peace and security.
read speech: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/us/politics/27obama-text.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
Before giving his policy speech on Iraq president Obama places his hand on his heart
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What President Obama Said About Withdrawing From Iraq (Original Post)
bigtree
Jun 2014
OP
malaise
(268,638 posts)1. What ever happened to that huge embassy the war criminals built in
Iraq? I remember calling it a white elephant from day one - so fitting for failed ReTHUG war criminals.
It could be used as a prison for all of Bushco's war criminals.
bigtree
(85,970 posts)2. U.S. personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad remained at work State Dept spokeswoman said
The State Department said in January that it had about 5,000 personnel working at the embassy and at consulates in Basra and Irbil, including 2,000 Americans. Embassy personnel are protected by some 200 Marine Corps security guards and contractors who work from a $10 billion, 5-year Worldwide Protective Services contract the department signed with eight companies in 2010.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2014/06/12/u-s-companies-pulling-contractors-from-iraqi-bases-as-security-crumbles/
malaise
(268,638 posts)4. I heard last night that all contractors were told to leave Iraq
Rachel was correct to show the evacuations from Vietnam.