After nearly nine years, 4,500 American dead, 32,000 wounded and more than $800 billion, U.S. officials formally shut down the war in Iraq — a conflict that U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said was worth the price in blood and money, as it set Iraq on a path to democracy.
Panetta stepped off his military plane in Baghdad today as the leader of America’s war in Iraq, but will leave as one of many top U.S. and global officials who hope to work with the struggling nation as it tries to find its new place in the Middle East and the broader world.
“I am glad we are leaving peacefully,” said Brad Harzman, an Emporia musician who served two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. National Guard. “I am sorry we lost so many lives, and I still think there are a lot of questions as to why we were there in the first place.”
Sabra Schweger of Allen said it is wonderful to see the soldiers coming home. Her husband, Travis Schweger, serves in the U.S. Army out of Fort Riley. He has been deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq.
More than 100,000 Iraqis have been killed since the U.S. invasion in 2003, according to the Iraq Body Count website. Bombings and gun battles are still common. And experts are concerned about the Iraqi security force’s ability to defend the nation against foreign threats.
Still, Panetta said earlier this week, the war “has not been in vain.”
Panetta and several other U.S. diplomatic, military and defense leaders participated Thursday in a symbolic ceremony during which the flag of U.S. Forces-Iraq was officially retired, or “cased,” according to Army tradition. The U.S. Forces-Iraq flag was furled — or wrapped — around a flagpole and covered in camouflage. It will be brought back to the United States.
“You will leave with great pride — lasting pride,” Panetta told the troops. “Secure in knowing that your sacrifice has helped the Iraqi people to begin a new chapter in history.”
During a stop in Afghanistan this week, Panetta described the mission as “making that country sovereign and independent and able to govern and secure itself.”
That, he said, is “a tribute to everybody — everybody who fought in that war, everybody who spilled blood in that war, everybody who was dedicated to making sure we could achieve that mission.”
Iraqi citizens offered a more pessimistic assessment. “The Americans are leaving behind them a destroyed country,” said Mariam Khazim of Sadr City. “The Americans did not leave modern schools or big factories behind them. Instead, they left thousands of widows and orphans.”
A member of the political coalition loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr saw another message in the U.S. withdrawal. “The American ceremony represents the failure of the U.S. occupation of Iraq due to the great resistance of the Iraqi people,” said Sadrist lawmaker Amir al-Kinani.
Panetta echoed President Barack Obama’s promise that the U.S. plans to keep a robust diplomatic presence in Iraq, foster a deep and lasting relationship with the nation and maintain a strong military force in the region.
As of Thursday, there were two U.S. bases and about 4,000 U.S. troops in Iraq — a dramatic drop from the roughly 500 military installations and as many as 170,000 troops during the surge ordered by President George W. Bush in 2007, when violence and raging sectarianism gripped the country. All U.S. troops are slated to be out of Iraq by the end of the year, but officials are likely to meet that goal a bit before then.
The total U.S. departure is a bit earlier than initially planned, and military leaders worry that it is a bit premature for the still maturing Iraqi security forces, who face continuing struggles to develop the logistics, air operations, surveillance and intelligence sharing capabilities they will need in what has long been a difficult neighborhood.
U.S. officials were unable to reach an agreement with the Iraqis on legal issues and troop immunity that would have allowed a small training and counterterrorism force to remain. U.S. defense officials said they expect there will be no movement on that issue until sometime next year.
Still, despite Obama’s earlier contention that all American troops would be home for Christmas, at least 4,000 forces will remain in Kuwait for some months. The troops will be able to help finalize the move out of Iraq, but could also be used as a quick reaction force if needed.
Obama met in Washington with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki earlier this week, vowing to remain committed to Iraq as the two countries struggle to define their new relationship. Ending the war was an early goal of the Obama administration, and Thursday’s ceremony will allow the president to fulfill a crucial campaign promise during a politically opportune time. The 2012 presidential race is roiling and Republicans are in a ferocious battle to determine who will face off against Obama in the election.
The president spoke this morning to troops at Ft. Bragg, N.C.:
“It’s harder to end a war than begin one. Indeed, everything that American troops have done in Iraq -– all the fighting and all the dying, the bleeding and the building, and the training and the partnering -– all of it has led to this moment of success. Now, Iraq is not a perfect place. It has many challenges ahead. But we’re leaving behind a sovereign, stable and self-reliant Iraq, with a representative government that was elected by its people. We’re building a new partnership between our nations. And we are ending a war not with a final battle, but with a final march toward home.”
Panetta acknowledged the difficulties for Iraq in the coming years, as the country tries to find its footing.
“They’re going face challenges in the future,” Panetta said Wednesday during a visit with troops in Afghanistan. “They’ll face challenges from terrorism, they’ll face challenges from those that would want to divide their country. They’ll face challenges from just the test of democracy, a new democracy and trying to make it work. But the fact is, we have given them the opportunity to be able to succeed.
We know too well the heavy cost of this war. More than 1.5 million Americans have served in Iraq — 1.5 million. Over 30,000 Americans have been wounded, and those are only the wounds that show. Nearly 4,500 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice — including 202 fallen heroes from here at Fort Bragg — 202. So today, we pause to say a prayer for all those families who have lost their loved ones, for they are part of our broader American family. We grieve with them.”
The ceremony at Baghdad International Airport also featured remarks from Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Lloyd Austin, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.
Austin is leading the massive logistical challenge of shuttering hundreds of bases and combat outposts, and methodically moving more than 50,000 U.S. troops and their equipment out of Iraq over the last year — while still conducting training, security assistance and counterterrorism battles.
The war “tested our military’s strength and our ability to adapt and evolve,” he said, noting the development of the new counterinsurgency doctrine.
Over the coming days, the final few thousand U.S. troops will leave Iraq in orderly caravans and tightly scheduled flights — a marked contrast to the shock and awe that rocked the country on March 20, 2003, as the U.S. invasion began.
Saddam Hussein has been ousted, the reports of weapons of mass destruction largely laid to rest. And the future of a nascent democracy awaits.
cyberspace (anonymous) says...
This should be a day to celebrate but instead it is a day of sadness. The thousands of lives lost, the wounded, the wrecked country for a war that was never needed. Thank you, President Obama, for keeping your word to get us out of Iraq. George W. Bush and his administration have been convicted as war criminals by an international court but yet they run free, without punishment for the crimes they committed.
Now, we the people, must remain vigilant as there are already Republican warmongers beating the drum for a new war with Iraq's neighbor, Iran. We must prevent this at all costs and no wars in the future should be fought without first activating the Selective Service system and passing a war tax. It is up to the people to monitor this. A great Kansan, Dwight Eisenhower, charged us with this responsibility.
"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together."
December 17, 2011 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thanks for a thought provoking post, cyberspace.
This past week has brought us so many stories of the folding up of flags and of men and women leaving Iraq. I must admit, each story brings tears to my eyes for all those who lost their lives and limbs over there, and still the Iraqis quarrel, and still the bombs go off in the market places, and still the fear of Iran's influence floats heavy like a giant fist in the air.
December 17, 2011 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
THE WAR May be over, but there are still thousands of Americans over there. And already there are beginnings of more civil strife.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/world-157...
December 17, 2011 at 7:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Within 1 year, we will find that this war did more to destablize IRAQ and the middle east than Sadam ever did.
when are we going to realize we can't force American values on the rest of the world?
December 18, 2011 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
You're right, Steve, yet time and time again we are proven wrong. The North Vietnamese seem to have put that country together, and among many other things, using tourism now to further their economy. I remember so many of us balking when Bush announced his "Shock and Awe" campaign yet it still wasn't enough to convince Bush and Cheney to give up their plans. We got the Bush Doctrine shoved down our throats.
Where is Bush now? And don't they love to say how getting rid of Saddam Hussein was worth it? Worth nearly five thousand lives?
December 18, 2011 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Malique (anonymous) says...
Praise be to President Obama! He is a shining light in this dark world. In Obama We Trust!
If you send a letter to Obama, you have a better chance of it being answered than if you send a prayer to "god". Think about that.
December 19, 2011 at 12:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gogreen (anonymous) says...
Malique: I feel sorry for you. I hope you find God.
December 19, 2011 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
gogreen,
I doubt that Malique is looking for God, Just stirring the pot. They post a lot about religion juat to fire some up. Oh well !
December 19, 2011 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jafo (anonymous) says...
Malique,
You bashed me a couple of weeks ago for picking on your precious Mr. Obama. I'll make you a deal, I'll stop with sharing my opinion of him when you stop sharing yours about my God.
The One True God Loves you. Yes Malique, even you. No matter what you say or do, He Loves You!
Have a nice day : )
December 19, 2011 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Syria,Iran, Samalia, who is next? Will this be credited to bush too? .....
December 19, 2011 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
1 DAY------------------------------------- ONE FREAKING DAY AND IT LOOKS LIKE A CIVIL WAR MAY BEGIN.
http://news.yahoo.com/iraq-issues-arr...
CHEESE AND RICE!
December 19, 2011 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the article, Steve.
I suppose we shouldn't be surprised about this. Experts have told us time and time again that tribal relationships cannot be repaired.
When we first entered Iraq, I read an article that appeared in TIME magazine reprinted from the 1949 period when Britain was in charge of breaking up the arab empires and assigning the different kings and princes. The article stated then that tribal warfare would never stop and that the tribes would absolutely never get along, ever. We just never learn.
December 19, 2011 at 1:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rabid_Randy (anonymous) says...
Don't worry Steve, the mercenaries are all over this.
December 19, 2011 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Malique (anonymous) says...
jafo,
My Obama exists. That's an undisputable fact. You and I have both seen/heard him. Since I haven't seen/heard your god, does that mean Obama is more powerful? Religion is so silly.
I ask for proof of your imaginary friend you call "god". Prove it or shut it! Why can't anyone prove it? OK Bye!
December 19, 2011 at 8:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Im sure you must have severe neck pain maliqui, due to turning your head one way .all day and night.Try turning your head just a small amount at first.
December 20, 2011 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Sail, and others,
Let's all say a prayer for Malique.
As they don't believe, it can't hurt them.
And who knows? It may help.
December 20, 2011 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jafo (anonymous) says...
I have one more message for Malique. Yes I have seen/heard Obama as you say. However, the fact is that you or I will likely never meet him face to face, but I tell you this - one day you will have to look into the face of God and explain yourself. You want proof - look in a mirror.
Have a nice day everyone and I apologize if we got off subject, somehow Malique always likes to bring religion into everything. I served in Iraq and am glad that the troops are coming home.
December 20, 2011 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Perhaps, before anyone brings " religion " into a discussion, " They " should know the definition of religion .
So, here is the definition of religion !
re·li·gion
noun \ri-ˈli-jən\
Definition of RELIGION
1
a: the state of a religious b (1): the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2
: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3
archaic: scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
4
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
— re·li·gion·lessadjective
Examples of RELIGION
Many people turn to religion for comfort in a time of crisis.
There are many religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
Shinto is a religion that is unique to Japan.
Hockey is a religion in Canada.
Politics are a religion to him.
Where I live, high school football is religion.
Food is religion in this house.
Origin of RELIGION
Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely
First Known Use: 13th century
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictio...
Now you see that religion can mean many things to many different people.
And Malique, your incessant bashing of God and other peoples beliefs, as well as your apparent worship of " Obama " is a " Religion " in its own right.
As for the ending of the war in Iraq . I for one don' t believe that the Iraq war is truly over . This so called " End of War " is only the calm before the beginning of another " Storm of War " .
The only thing that has been accomplished by the " Cheney/Bush " war is the fact that it has left Iraq in complete disarray and ripe for Iran to overrun Iraq. And if and when that happens, you will again see the " Big Oil Profiteers ", again push the U.S. and others into a war of " Greed ", just like the first Irag war, the U.S. was stupid enough to get involved in .
Can anyone remember when this particular part of the world was not engaged in a " Religious/Tribal " war, amongst themselves, over one thing or another, even the most trivial of things .
And I am going to be truthful here . The Israeli expansionist policy is not serving to help matters in the region. Israel does have the right to exist and to protect itself . But does Israel have the right to take, expand into lands that belong to other peoples and kill and at times outright slaughter those peoples to further its expansionist policies ?
I predict that 1 year, 2 at the most, that region will again be ablaze with the flames of WAR !
JMO
December 20, 2011 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
americus1987 (anonymous) says...
Well put meth. I hope you're prediction of 1 to 2 years is wrong but 9 years of intervention cannot reverse thousands of years of history and struggle between the families in Iraq.
Malique- if you want religion left out of whats going on, there are plenty of countries that will cater to your wants. I'm sure they'd love to have you.
December 20, 2011 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Malique (anonymous) says...
jafo,
I just looked in the mirror and saw a reflection of myself. What does this mean?
a) I'm god, as you suggested.
b) The mirror is a magical viewer to another dimension.
c) Light is reflecting off of the mirror's surface in such an efficient manner, that I'm able to see a nearly perfect reverse image of myself. Science!
Sorry, friend. That does not prove your god exists. Try again!
December 20, 2011 at 5:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
ok malqui,do you want to live in a society that has no basis for morality other than what a gov says is moral and good.. ,I like living in a somewhat Judeo Christian value based society.I can just imagine a society based on athiest beliefs ,,,,like north korea, soviet union,not my cup of tea. Its ok if you dont believe,but why do you insist that we need ridicule from you for having faith.We have not lost all our freedoms YET,so enjoy your winter solstice ,practice your nonfaith as you want, but for many of the rest of us HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS.
December 20, 2011 at 7:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good comment, sail.
Also, today is the first day of Hannukah. I like the fact that our country's population is so varied that we have so many celebrations of faith.
December 20, 2011 at 8:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Malique (anonymous) says...
sail,
Why do we need to believe in a man in the sky to have good morals? Religion is a fairytale where the moral of the story is "be good or you'll burn for eternity". This is a good way to keep naive children in line, but it's silly to believe such things as an adult. "Be good, kids, or you'll get coal for xmas!" That's exactly what religion is like. Be good, adults, or you won't get to walk on streets of gold in heaven!" Why are the streets gold anyway? I'll tell you why, because the Bible was written by man and men are greedy and thought it would be cool to have streets made of gold. Why would the streets in heaven matter? They shouldn't, but the men who wrote the Bible were making up silly stories.
Why can't we just say, "Hey, let's be nice to one another." Not because we are "god fearing", but because we're all in this together. Mankind united! Not divided by silly superstitious folklore. I'm not a religious type and you don't see me harming my fellow man. Sure, I make fun of grown adults that believe in fairytales, but that's about it.
no relgion = no wars (much fewer, anyway)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b7qaS...
December 21, 2011 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
americus1987 (anonymous) says...
Malique- what are you smoking? I need some of that if I am going to start using John Lennon to denounce my religious views.
December 21, 2011 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Malique (anonymous) says...
americus1987,
Newport Menthols
December 21, 2011 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Malique, I know your having fun, ,,,,but Emporia needs your passion directed at more productive ventures, not we the passive turn the other cheek types....
December 21, 2011 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Yesterday several bomb explosions and over 60 dead.
Before we rush to send our troops back in, let's just let it play out. The side that kills the most will eventually take total power. and that is how it should be, Saddam may have been a insane dictator but at least he kept a lid on the civil unrest.
These people are incapable of running a democratic society. when will we learn that?
December 22, 2011 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
But Steve, all that shock and awe was supposed to cure this unrest.
And Cheney's last interview reminds us that we should be glad we got rid of Saddam and not spend so much time on WMD's. And McCain says there was an ATTEMPT by Saddam to obtain WMD's.
You're right, Steve, "when will they ever learn?" Words to an old Kingston Trio song, "Where Have All the Flowers Gone."
At the rate they're going over there, I give it a couple of months before they're all dead. I'm only sorry for our own dead and maimed heroes.
December 22, 2011 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )