The U.S. military has officially declared its mission in Iraq officially over, the New York Times is reporting. The news comes even as violence continues to plague the country. The Muslim world also remains distrustful of American political power.
In a ceremony at the Baghdad airport, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta thanked the more than one million American service members who have served in Iraq. He also thanked them for the “remarkable progress” they made since the war began in March 2003, but acknowledged Iraq will face severe challenges in their continued struggle for democracy.
“Let me be clear: Iraq will be tested in the days ahead-by terrorism, and by those who seek to divide (the country), by economic and social issues,” Panetta added. He also said that the U.S. will be there to support the Iraqi people “as they navigate those challenges to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.”
The war’s end comes as 4,487 American lives were claimed, with another 32,226 wounded in action. The 45-minute ceremony, titled “Casing the Colors,” ends the war without the American military presence for which many military officers had hoped. The military will keep two bases in Iraq and roughly 4,000 troops. The last two bases will close, and the final American troops will withdraw, from the country by December 31, 2011, with a few hundred military personnel and Pentagon civilians remaining in the country.
Written by: Karen Benardello
