27 February 2009

Obama Says Combat Forces to Be Withdrawn from Iraq in 2010

President plans phased withdrawal to preserve security gains

President Obama announces withdrawal from Iraq, flanked by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, and Admiral Mike Mullen.

By Merle David Kellerhals Jr.
Staff Writer

Washington — The United States will withdraw most of its military forces from Iraq by mid-2010 through a phased design that cements security gains as the Iraqi government strengthens.

“By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end,” President Obama said. “Because the most important decisions that have to be made about Iraq’s future must now be made by Iraqis.”

Speaking to an audience of U.S. Marines and their families at the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, February 27, the president said the withdrawal of forces will be carefully measured and will be based on continuous consultations with military commanders in Iraq and the Iraqi government.

“Our enemies should be left with no doubt: This plan gives our military the forces and the flexibility they need to support our Iraqi partners, and to succeed,” Obama said.

There are approximately 142,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, according to the U.S. Defense Department.

A residual force of between 35,000 and 50,000 U.S. troops will remain in Iraq into 2011 with the primary mission of training, equipping and advising Iraqi security forces; conducting targeted counterterrorism missions; and protecting U.S. civilian and military efforts. By the end of 2011, all U.S. forces will be withdrawn under a Status of Forces Agreement with the approval of the Iraqi government. The only thing that could alter the withdrawal timetable is a new outbreak of violence from the insurgency.

The timeline selected by the president was the primary recommendation of Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The final decision was made by the president February 26 at the White House. The withdrawal plan is slightly slower than Obama had proposed during his presidential campaign in 2008, but after extensive consultations with the Pentagon, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and military commanders and diplomats in Iraq, the president chose to follow Gates and Mullen’s counsel.

“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,” Obama said. “I have listened to my secretary of defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and commanders on the ground.”

Force levels are expected to remain relatively constant until after Iraqi general elections this December, then the withdrawal process will begin in earnest.

“The drawdown of our military should send a clear signal that Iraq’s future is now its own responsibility. The long-term success of the Iraqi nation will depend upon decisions made by Iraq’s leaders and the fortitude of the Iraqi people,” Obama said.

As combat brigades are gradually withdrawn, Obama said, the United States will pursue the second part of its strategy: sustained diplomacy for a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq. Leading that effort will be the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Christopher Hill, who is moving from his post as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs and chief negotiator in the Six-Party Talks on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

ASSISTANCE FOR IRAQI REFUGEES

“Diplomacy and assistance is also required to help the millions of displaced Iraqis,” the president said. “America has a strategic interest — and a moral responsibility — to act.”

The United States will take steps to increase international support for countries already hosting Iraqi refugees; cooperate with others to resettle Iraqis facing great personal risk; and work with the Iraqi government to resettle refugees and displaced Iraqis within Iraq.

Obama also directed comments to the Iraqi people, saying, “The United States pursues no claim on your territory or your resources. We respect your sovereignty and the tremendous sacrifices you have made for your country.”

COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Obama said the third part of the U.S. strategy is comprehensive American engagement across the region. “The United States will pursue principled and sustained engagement with all of the nations in the region, and that will include Iran and Syria,” he said.

“This reflects a fundamental truth: We can no longer deal with regional challenges in isolation — we need a smarter, more sustainable and comprehensive approach.”

Obama said that is why the United States is reemphasizing its diplomacy while relieving a burden on its armed forces, and it is also why the United States is refocusing on the terrorist group al-Qaida in Afghanistan and Pakistan. And it is why in less than two months, three special envoys have been named for the Middle East and South Asia to support the work being led by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Obama named former U.S. Senator George Mitchell as special envoy for the Middle East, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke as special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and now Ambassador Dennis Ross as special adviser on the Gulf and Southwest Asia.

In Afghanistan, Obama has already ordered an additional 17,000 troops to be deployed in the coming months and is expected to bring that number up to 30,000 troops in addition to the 38,000 already there.

What foreign affairs actions should President Obama consider? Comment on America.gov’s blog.