Forum Views () 
Forum Replies ()  
 
 
Read more with google mobile :
Obama: no Iraq victory lap as U.S. combat mission ends  
 
 
 
 
 
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
 
 
 
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obama: no Iraq victory lap as U.S. combat mission ends
 
 
  
 
 Reuters - Wednesday, September  1
 
 
Send
 
IM Story
 
Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By Caren Bohan
 
FORT BLISS, Texas - President Barack Obama declared the U.S. combat mission in Iraq officially over on Tuesday but said he would not take a "victory lap" because a lot more work remained to be done inside the country.
 
Obama, thanking troops in Texas before delivering an evening address to the nation, said Iraq now had the opportunity to create a better future for itself, and the United States, as a result, was more secure.
 
"I wanted to come down to Fort Bliss mainly to say thank you. And to say, welcome home," he told troops, who shouted the traditional Army "Hooah" back to him in greeting.
 
"I'm going to make a speech to the nation tonight," Obama said. "It's not going to be a victory lap. It's not going to be self-congratulatory. There's still a lot of work that we've got to do to make sure that Iraq is an effective partner with us."
 
The White House says the removal of all but 50,000 U.S. troops and the declaration of the end to the combat phase shows Obama is fulfilling a campaign promise he made in 2008 to pull out of Iraq.
 
Obama hopes that message will resonate with Americans ahead of the November 2 elections in which his Democrats are struggling to keep their dominance in the U.S. Congress.
 
But high unemployment and slowing economic growth have eclipsed the war as the top issue in voters' minds, much as the economy did in 2008 when Obama prevailed over Republican John McCain in the presidential election.
 
Ben Rhodes, White House deputy national security adviser, said Obama would talk about the U.S. economy in the context of the drawdown from Iraq.
 
"He feels it's very important to refocus resources that we've been spending abroad over the last several years into investing in our economy and our long-term competitiveness here at home," Rhodes told reporters on board Air Force One.
 
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs previewed the same economic theme in U.S. media interviews earlier in the day.
 
"The nation he truly wants to rebuild is the nation that he lives in, the United States of America," Gibbs said on ABC television. "We gain our strength abroad from our prosperity here at home. There are steps that we have to take here to continue our recovery to make sure that people are getting put back to work," he said.
 
The address, scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT/midnight GMT, will be Obama's second from the Oval Office. The president used the same high-profile venue in June to discuss his administration's response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
 
Obama called former President George W. Bush, who launched the war in 2003, during his flight.
 
SENSE OF URGENCY, NOT MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
 
As Obama prepared to deliver his speech, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden flew into Iraq to assure Iraqis the United States is not abandoning them. He met with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani.
 
Biden's talks took place amid a political deadlock almost six months after an inconclusive election in March over forming the next government.
 
"Iraq should move forward with a sense of urgency," Rhodes said. "It is time to get down to some of the core issues."
 
The White House is aware that Obama cannot afford to come across as too triumphant. To do so could evoke comparisons to Bush's May 2003 speech aboard an aircraft carrier. In front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner, Bush announced that major combat operations were over, a move that was seen as a huge misstep after violence soared later.
 
More than 4,400 U.S. soldiers have died in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein.
 
"Al Qaeda in Iraq is beaten, but not gone," Defence Secretary Roberts Gates said on Tuesday. "This is not a time for premature victory parades or self-congratulations, even as we reflect with pride on what our troops and their Iraqi partners have accomplished."
 
Obama, who opposed the Iraq war, rode a wave of anti-war sentiment that boosted his support within his Democratic Party during the 2008 campaign.
 
When he took office in January 2009, the U.S. military presence in Iraq was 140,000 troops and it reached a high of around 170,000 under the surge ordered by Bush.
 
The roughly 50,000 U.S. soldiers still in Iraq are moving into an advisory role in which they will train and support Iraq's army and police.
 
The effective change on the ground will not be huge because the U.S. military has already been switching the focus towards training and support over the past year. Obama has promised to pull all U.S. troops out of Iraq by the end of 2011.
 
Ahead of the speech, Republicans criticized Obama for what they say is a failure to acknowledge the success of Bush's troop surge in bringing down violence in Iraq. Obama had opposed the 2007 troop increase.
 
Obama has set July 2011 as the date for a beginning of a drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and he hopes the example of Iraq will reassure his Democratic supporters that he can keep his word.
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recommend
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Send
 
IM Story
 
Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
Related Articles
 
 
Obama declares an end to Iraq combat mission AFP -  20 minutes ago
 
US readies bold bid for Mideast peace AFP -  36 minutes ago
 
US deaths in Afghanistan hit record in 2010 AFP -  48 minutes ago
 
UK-World Summary Reuters -  57 minutes ago
 
Obama's Mideast push clouded by West Bank attack Reuters -  57 minutes ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
News Search
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Top Stories
 
 
 
 
Exercise cuts genetic obesity risk by 40 percent: study
Blair 'desperately sorry' for Iraq war deaths: memoirs
Divided Fed warns on 'sluggish' recovery
Tennis veteran Clement downs Baghdatis at US Open
US bank profits up despite rise in 'problem' lenders
 
 
 
 More Top Stories »
 
 
 
ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Most Popular
 
 
 
 
Most Viewed
 
Most Recommended
 
 
 
 
'Prostitute' Carla Bruni deserves death: Iran media
 
Child health at risk from non-prescription drugs: study
 
Paris Hilton charged with illegal drug possession
 
European stocks plunge; London down 1.14 percent
 
Global equities rocked by US economic fears
 
 
 More Most Viewed »
 
 
 
 
 
Obama endorses mosque plan near Ground Zero
 
Earth's upper atmosphere shrinking, scientists say
 
Tiger's ex breaks her silence on sex scandal
 
Belgian man dies of South Asian superbug
 
Most US students think Beethoven is a dog
 
 
 More Most Recommended »
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
 
 
 
 
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
 
 
Stars and latest movies
 
 
Best travel destinations
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
More on Yahoo! News
 
 
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
 
Also on Yahoo!
 
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
 
Site Highlights
 
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
World Cup 2010
 
 
 
 
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy 
- Terms of Service 
- Community 
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy 
- Help
        
    
  
   
 
 
    
   
 
Other News on Wednesday,  1 September 2010 Five US soldiers killed as Afghan casualties mount  
Scores of activists detained at Russian rights protest  
Video of girl throwing puppies into river sparks outrage  
Five US soldiers killed in Afghan violence  
US Fed warns economic recovery looks 'sluggish'  
Airbus begins building first A350 XWB jets  
Floods in south Sudan leave nearly 60,000 homeless
|  
Staples to sell Amazon's Kindle  
US bank profits up despite rise in 'problem' lenders  
Libyan leader stirs anger in Italy visit  
Iran criticises media for calling Bruni 'prostitute'  
Four Israelis killed on eve of Mideast summit
|  
US-TECH Summary  
Canadian economy slows in second quarter  
5 American troops killed in latest Afghan violence  
3D TVs and tablets beckon at Berlin's IFA trade fair  
Slovaks search for answers after gun rampage  
Dozens detained at anti-Kremlin rallies
|  
Gartner cuts second-half PC growth forecast  
US consumer confidence up unexpectedly in August  
Gmail prioritizes messages to fight email overload  
Panasonic says high TV sales targets sparked glut  
Mediacom CEO withdraws offer to take company private  
Iraq speech will not mark victory lap, Obama vows  
China slump again at worlds  
After drenching islands, Earl may lash US coast  
Gartner cuts second-half PC growth forecast  
Indonesian leader pledges police reform  
Taliban footprint 'spreading': Petraeus  
Ozawa seeks to oust Japan PM after talks fail  
Petraeus: Afghan concern about Pakistan is legit  
Three arrested in Britain over cricket betting claims  
3D TVs and tablets beckon at Berlin's IFA trade fair
|  
Pakistan authorities close ranks around accused  
Petraeus: International pullout will be gradual  
China prods N.Korea on economic reform  
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary  
Shia LaBeouf tops Forbes list of actors worth their pay  
State media confirms Myanmar chief still in charge  
Miranda Lambert garners five CMA nominations  
Corruption probe ruffles US-Afghan relations  
Lindsay Lohan admits flaws but says career not over  
Billionaire Icahn renews battle for 'Mad Men' studio  
Salvaging of shipwrecked champagne begins in Baltic  
Wine-making Israeli settler ready to uproot for peace  
Mumbai's tiffin carriers get English, computer lessons  
Japan running out of options as yen soars  
Felipe Oliveira Baptista named Lacoste's artistic director  
Peru author's Irish patriot book set for November  
Investors dump Reliance shares on surprise foray  
China agrees to step up trade with Spain  
Pakistani stocks, o/n rates end up; rupee firms  
Pakistan 2009/10 budget deficit above IMF target  
Zsa Zsa Gabor returns to hospital
|  
Shia LaBeouf tops Forbes list of actors worth their pay
|  
Miranda Lambert garners five CMA nominations
|  
Blair 'sorry' for Iraq war deaths, slams Brown as PM  
Obama's Mideast push clouded by West Bank attack
|  
US deaths in Afghanistan hit record in 2010  
Sony to challenge Apple with video service: report  
Exercise cuts genetic obesity risk by 40 percent: study  
Blair 'desperately sorry' for Iraq war deaths: memoirs  
Mexicans hope drug lord's arrest may turn tide
|  
Obama's Mideast push clouded by West Bank attack  
Tennis veteran Clement downs Baghdatis at US Open  
The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills Premieres On Bravo October 14  
Online learning startup rises on wings of "angels"  
Blair says did not foresee Iraq nightmare
|  
Afghan bank's bosses ousted to avert meltdown  
Say Yes To The Dress: Big Bliss Coming To TLC In October  
N.Korea seeks stronger ties with China
|  
OK Go Kicks Off New Tour With A Remixing Contest  
Factbox  
Facebook CEO: Keep private life out of lawsuit  
Nelly Furtado Debuts New Songs At Concert  
Pakistan raids kill 45 militants, family members
|  
Wal-mart agrees to settle online DVD lawsuit: filing  
Obama: Time to turn the page in Iraq  
FDIC Counts 829 Troubled Banks  
Stocks Post Steep Losses In August  
Australian PM wins Greens support in government bid
|  
Obama renews vow to hand over Afghan security  
Four Israelis Shot Dead In The West Bank, U.S. Says Peace Talks On Schedule  
Deep cutbacks at Utah newspaper Deseret News  
Human Rights Groups Sue Administration Over Targeted Kill List  
Floods in south Sudan leave nearly 60,000 homeless  
Eddie Izzard Joining "Tara" In Recurring Role  
Amazon trying to create Web-based TV service: report  
Critics put on mute as China tightens mobile phone rules
|  
Staples to sell Kindle, Borders cuts reader prices  
Rep. Joe Wilson Under Investigation For Use Of Travel Money  
Clinton confers with leaders on Mideast peace push  
Obama: no Iraq victory lap as U.S. combat mission ends  
North Korea seeks stronger ties with China  
Pakistan air strikes kill 55 militants, civilians  
Indonesian police kill five in riot  
Philippine massacre trial adjourned again  
Australian PM wins Greens support in govt bid  
China launches war games in Yellow Sea  
Sony to challenge Apple with video service: report  
Pakistan raid kills 45 militants and their families  
Amazon eyes subscription Web TV service
|  
N.Korea forges trade documents to dodge sanctions  
Chilean convicts learn to become football referees  
Sony offers new generation of lighter e-readers
|  
Trio leave Pakistan cricket squad to face authorities  
Summer movie-ticket sales fall 6 percent from 2009  
China beefs up school security as classes resume  
Teddy bears ward off 'evil eye' in Albania  
"Gone With the Wind" fans give gowns another day  
Michael Douglas hopes to beat "intense" cancer  
Facebook CEO: Keep private life out of lawsuit
|  
Venice show reveals Stanley Kubrick, photographer  
Sony to challenge Apple with video service: report
|  
Paul Hogan vows to fight Australian tax office  
Sprint debates rival Clearwire investor: report
|  
"Glee" and American Express team up for social action  
Microsoft launches advertising platform in China  
Wal-mart agrees to settle online DVD lawsuit: filing
|  
Mass breakout from Australia immigration centre  
Conan O'Brien to announce show name Wednesday  
WRAPUP 2-S.Korea exports slowing but won't divert c.bank  
Indonesia anti-graft body raids Sumitomo: reports  
Seoul shares gain 1.3 pct on retailers, autos  
Pakistani c.bank buys 25.1 bln rupees of govt paper  
Chinese manufacturing rebounds in August  
New Zealand commodity prices fall in August  
S.Korea sharply raises 2010 trade surplus forecast  
PAKISTAN  
Seoul shares gain on retailers, automakers  
Venice film festival opens and gambles on youth
|  
Michael Douglas hopes to beat intense cancer
|  
Glee and American Express team up for social action
|  
Conan O'Brien to announce show name Wednesday
|  
Paul Hogan vows to fight Australian tax office
|  
New York mosque pits John Cusack vs. Fox News
|  
Meet the lawyer trying to bring down Jersey Shore
|  
Gone With the Wind fans give gowns another day
|  
Iraq civilian deaths dip as U.S. combat mission ends  
Blair memoir lifts lid on Iraq, alcohol and royals  
Bosnia probes video of girl tossing puppies into river  
U.N. prosecutor says won't rush Hariri indictment  
Big S.Africa state workers' union rejects pay offer
|  
US private employment slips for first time in 7 months  
Bulgarians in Paris murder to appeal  
Sony Ericsson targeting China's smartphone market  
Blasts kill up to eight in Pakistan's Lahore, 100 hurt
|  
Kabul Bank in no danger of collapse: bank governor  
Obama readies bold Mideast peace bid  
Film's Nationwide Billboard Ad Causes Controversy  
Palestinian forces arrest dozens of Hamas activists
|  
Dutch probe continues into suspected plane plot  
Sweden to reopen rape probe of WikiLeaks founder  
Kabul Bank safe, says central bank governor  
Vivendi reports 6.6% rise in profits  
Hold off on booze, NASA urges trapped Chile miners
|  
"The Sound Of Music" Hits Blu-Ray For The First Time In November  
German retail sales slip further in July: stats  
Shakira Goes "Loca" On New Single  
Panasonic says high TV sales targets sparked glut  
Murkowski Concedes Alaska GOP Primary For Her Senate Seat  
Former Dow AgroSciences Researcher Charged With Economic Espionage  
At least 6 killed in Mozambique price riots: sources
|  
Ethnic Backgrounds Associated With Teen Substance Use  
Apple set to unveil latest creations  
French Bank Tops List Of Worlds 50 Safest Banks  
Germany, Finland want fast deficit sanctions: Merkel
|  
India: 'standing firm' on BlackBerry access demand  
Joan Cusack Joins Showtimes Shameless  
Nicole Richie's Fashion Line Sues Kitson Boutique Over Alleged Unpaid Items  
"Heroes" Star Jack Coleman Lands Role On "The Mentalist"  
Hungry flood-hit Pakistanis protest lack of help  
Pakistan economy to suffer prolonged flood damage  
Myanmar's cyber generation boots up for first-time vote  
'Time to turn the page' as Obama ends Iraq combat  
Japan leadership battle kicks off  
Evacuations order as Earl bears down on US east coast  
UK hospital admissions for booze 'at record level'  
Outrage after new delay in Philippine massacre trial  
India says will ask Google and Skype for data access
|  
U.S. sees rebel "tension" on foreign militant role  
Doubts grows over N.Korea Kim succession  
Catherine Zeta-Jones furious Douglas' cancer went undetected  
Target stores to sell Facebook gift cards
|  
Sony offers new generation of lighter e-readers  
Kangaroo cuddle 'saves' Australian baby  
Microsoft seeks China internet search partner: report
|  
Pakistan army cancels U.S. talks over security checks  
Emmy resentments surface in TV industry  
Dolphin hunt kicks off in Japan 'Cove' town  
Remains of the Day musical opens in London  
Lindsay Lohan returns to theaters, as naked junkie  
Sony Ericsson targeting China's smartphone market  
Stallone, Condoleezza Rice refuse "Dancing" slots  
Sony offers new generation of lighter e-readers  
Bollywood to make film on life of Jesus  
South Korean firm to develop healthier kimchi  
Catherine Zeta-Jones furious Douglas' cancer went undetected
|  
Natalie Portman takes a dark turn in Venice film
|  
Emmy resentments surface in TV industry
|  
Lindsay Lohan returns to theaters, as naked junkie
|  
Stallone, Condoleezza Rice refuse Dancing slots
|  
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro  
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found  
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever  
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production  
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time  
AMD to Start Production of piledriver  
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs  
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia  
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air  
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch  
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent  
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up  
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform  
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis  
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets  
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights