Pulling out of Iraq

On Friday, President Barrack Obama announced the Iraq war will be over by year’s end; and troops are being sent back home to the United States. In class we have been discussing the presidency and the power(s) he/she has to make moves on behalf of the United States. The President of the United States has the power to withdraw troops, and recently Obama confirmed his 2008 campaign pledge to end a war that has “divided the nation since it began in 2003 and claimed more than 4,400 American lives” (Lawrence 1). After a long-fought war against terrorism and an effort to spread democracy into a nation run by tyrants, the return of American troops signifies a long war fought to spread American ideals. Obama said in his address to the media, “The new partnership with Iraq will be strong and enduring. The last American soldier will cross the border out of Iraq with their head held high, proud of their success and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops (Lawrence 1). The report also acknowledged a difference in opinion on the matter between democrats and republicans. Democrats largely applauded Friday’s announcement while some republicans felt angst towards the president’s decision. Senator John McCain has called this movement a “consequential failure” for the Obama administration saying, “Today marks a harmful and sad setback for the United States in the world” (Lawrence 1). Some republicans, such as McCain, feel that the decision may be viewed as a strategic victory for the enemies in the Middle East, specifically the Iranian regime. Withdrawing troops has set the level of violence at a lower mark. However, the concern now is going from an area that has been operating through military tactics to an operation where civilians will be in control. Ryan Borchardt
http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/21/world/meast/iraq-us-troops/index.html