“Operation ‘Iraqi freedom’ is over” – Obama

President Barack Obama gave his highly-anticipated address to the US on the future of Iraq, announcing that the “American combat in Iraq has ended.”

In a 15-minute speech, Obama paid tribute to what he said was a hefty American sacrifice which now allows Iraq to determine its own future.

“Because of our troops and civilians and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people, Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many challenges remain,” Obama said.

“We have closed and transferred to the Iraqis hundreds of bases and we have moved millions of pieces of equipment out of Iraq. This completes a transition to Iraqi responsibility for their own security. US troops pulled out of Iraq last summer and Iraqi forces have moved into the lead with considerable skill and commitment to their fellow citizens…. This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office,” Obama said.

“Going forward, a transitional force of US troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq’s security forces, supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all US troops will leave by the end of next year,” he added.

Obama moved on to note that Afghanistan will now receive new resources, with intensified operations against Al Qaeda leaders. However, he stated that the operation in Afghanistan would not be an "open-ended war," with withdrawal to follow there as well.

Obama ended his speech by turning to the faltering American economy, and the vital need for recovery.

“Today, our most urgent task is to restore our economy, and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work,” Obama said. “This will be difficult. But in the days to come, it must be our central mission as a people, and my central responsibility as president.”

Alison Weir, director of the US Council for National Interest, thinks Obama’s speech was successful in conveying a strong sense of patriotism and leadership.

“He called for unity… He hit those [patriotic] notes the way you are supposed to do as a president,” Weir said. “I do think that the majority of people in this country dislike the kind of partisan bickering that we continue to see. So I think that part of the speech will go across quite well.”

Paul Craig Roberts, a former Reagan administration official, referred to Obama’s speech as double speak, arguing that he was saying what he had to to satisfy both the political right and his supporters.

He argued that with about 50,000 US troops and now possibly 200,000 private contractors in Iraq, the operation has merely changed from soldiers to private mercenaries.

In his speech Obama mentioned troop casualties, but neglected to mention Iraqi sacrifices and civilian casualties.

“If he talked about those then he couldn’t call that a commitment to Iraq. How is it a commitment to Iraq to destroy the country,” said Roberts.