Today, US troops moved out of Iraqi cities. The Iraqi military will handle all security functions from now on.
We will still have 140,000 troops in Iraq. However, they will be moved to garrisons outside of the cities.
Over the next few years, Iraq will be a major US ally. We will have 50,000 troops there indefinitely.
Like South Korea, Iraq will gradually turn into a strong ally in an important region of the world.
I am not predicting that everything will be beautiful. Nevertheless, things will be better, specially now that we don't have Saddam Hussein invading his neighbors or dropping chemical bombs on the Kurds!
Today, Pres BO said this:
""Today's transition is further proof that those who have tried to pull Iraq into the abyss of disunion and civil war are on the wrong side of history," Obama said at the White House." (WashPost)
Great news.
Pres BO is now invested in success in Iraq.
From now on, Pres BO will oversee the completion of the plan that he openly opposed.
Life is strange, ain't it?
Pres BO spent the last two years running against Pres Bush's policy in Iraq.
Now, he gets to implement the plan and make sure that Iraq's democracy grows and is protected.
It's a good day, unless you are a "yes we can" screamer who voted for change!
Why did this happen?
First, let's congratulate the Iraqi Army. They've accomplished a great deal.
I can still recall all of the cynicism about the Iraqis standing up for themselves.
Second, let's highlight the good work of the US, and other coalition, soldiers.
Two years ago, Pres Bush shifted strategy, i.e. the surge.
It worked and we see the consequences today.
Third, let's thank Iraqi voters for turning out and voting.
Iraqi voters, specially all of those women lining up to vote, have sparked the region.
Don't underestimate the images of Iraqi women voting and running for office!
Last, but not least, let's thank Pres Bush.
What would Iraq look like today if we had listened to BO and Pelosi?
Pres Bush will eventually get a "profile in courage" for his presidency.
Bush didn't read polls. He governed. And best of all, he turned out to be right!
And let's not forget Sen McCain. It was McCain who saved Iraq in the US Senate in the spring of 2007!
McCain did the right thing.
BO told people what they wanted to hear.
"As our troops leave Iraq's cities today, their commanders know that still more bloody trials lie ahead.
Now and then, the Iraqis will "shoot the red star cluster," calling for our help.
But today isn't just a day for Iraqis to celebrate -- it's a good day for us, too."
