Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Tide of War Receding in Iraq, Afghanistan: Obama

Tide of War Receding in Iraq, Afghanistan: Obama

WASHINGTON - The tide of war is receding in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said on Wednesday in his address before the UN General Assembly in New York.
"At the end of this year, America's military operation in Iraq will be over," Obama said. "We will have a normal relationship with a sovereign nation that is a member of the community of nations. That equal partnership will be strengthened by our support for Iraq -- for its government and security forces; for its people and their aspirations." "As we end the war in Iraq, the United States and our coalition partners have begun a transition in Afghanistan," he said. "Between now and 2014, an increasingly capable Afghan government and security forces will step forward to take responsibility for the future of their country.

As they do, we are drawing down our own forces, while building an enduring partnership with the Afghan people." "So let there be no doubt: The tide of war is receding," the President said.

When he took office in early 2009, roughly 180,000 Americans were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama noted. By the end of this year, that number will be cut in half, and it will continue to decline, he said.

"This is critical to the sovereignty of Iraq and Afghanistan, and to the strength of the United States as we build our nation at home," he added.
"Moreover, we are poised to end these wars from a position of strength," Obama said.

Referring to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the President said, "Ten years ago, there was an open wound of twisted steel and broken hearts in this city. Today, as a new tower rising at Ground Zero symbolizes New York's renewal, al Qaeda is under more pressure than ever before. Its leadership has been degraded. And Osama bin Laden, a man who murdered thousands of people from dozens of countries, will never endanger the peace of the world again." (KUNA)