Today President Obama announced an end date for combat missions in Iraq. See: Obama sets date to end Iraq combat mission – MSNBC – 27 Feb 09
“Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end,” he said in a speech at the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, N.C. “As we carry out this drawdown, my highest priority will be the safety and security of our troops and civilians in Iraq.”
I have grave reservations about setting an end date for such missions. In my opinion any withdrawal or draw down must be predicated on events on the ground. After all, the war in Vietnam was basically won when the Democrat-controlled Congress set a end date for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in South Vietnam. And we know the end result, the North invaded the South and many perished throughout Southeast Asia after over 58,200 U.S. forces had paid the ultimate sacrifice.
I pray we are not making the same mistake again!
Roger Young
Related articles: [Updated 1 Jul 09]
Obama sees difficulty in Iraq after pull-out – ArmyTimes – 1 Jul 09
Obama Hails Iraqi City Withdrawal as ‘Important Step’ – DefenseLink – 30 Jun 09
Iraqi Troops Ready for Added Responsibility, Pentagon Spokesman Says – DefenseLink – 29 Jun 09
U.S. confident ahead of leaving Iraqi cities – ArmyTimes – 29 Jun 09
Angry Iraqis demand protection from bombings – MSNBC – 25 Jun 09
Some leverage lost as Army pulls out of cities – ArmyTimes – 12 Jun 09
Marines to be out of Iraq in spring 2010 – ArmyTimes – 11 Jun 09
U.S. Combat Troops on Pace to Leave Iraqi Cities by June 30 – DefenseLink – 1 Jun 09
Dozens killed in attack on Iraq tribal leaders Violence rises as the U.S. military begins drawing down its forces – MSNBC – 10 Mar 09
Time running out for U.S. troops in Mosul – ArmyTimes – 9 Mar 09
“…If you don’t have the Americans, this is not going to be good,” said an Iraqi army captain who gave his name only as Ahmed to protect his family from insurgents. “I cannot take care of it…”
U.S.: 12,000 troops to leave Iraq by September – ArmyTimes – 8 Mar 09
Military Officials in Iraq Announce Force Reduction – DefenseLink – 8 Mar 09
Mullen Voices Support for Iraq Decision – DefenseLink – 1 Mar 09
Iraq Drawdown Decision Process Included Commanders, Gates Says – DefenseLink – 27 Feb 09
