Obama Pledges Support for Iraq as War Ends

Declaring an official end to the US combat mission in Iraq, President Obama prioritized America’s agenda for the months ahead. Addressing the nation from the Oval Office, Tuesday night, the president pledged that America would support Iraq as it rebuilds, while turning its resources to win the War in Afghanistan, and re-energizing the US economy.

"The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people," Obama said in an address from the Oval Office... Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the page."

The controversial 7-year war was officially called to an end at 5pm EST on Tuesday. The US-led invasion to oust Saddam Hussein’s regime claimed the lives of more than 4,400 US troops. Iraqi civilian deaths have been estimated at  jsut over 100,000. Obama praised the troops for their sacrifices and acknowledged the roughly 50,000 US troops who will remain in Iraq to assist with the final stages of stabilizing the Iraqi government.

Even while terrorist attacks still occur in the Iraq, Obama spoke of the resilience of everyone who fought to bring democracy to Iraq.

"We have persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people — a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization," Obama said.

Before the president’s primetime speech, many Republicans urged him to acknowledge that President George W. Bush’s much criticized troop increase in 2007 helped bring victory in the war. Obama did not cede to their demands, but he did commend Bush for his commitment to the troops, despite their opposing views on the war.

"It's well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one could doubt President Bush's support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security," Obama said. "As I have said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hope for Iraq's future."

Going forward Obama would now like to focus the nation’s attention on defeating al Qaeda in Afghanistan and boosting our struggling economy.

"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. "We must jump-start industries that create jobs, and end our dependence on foreign oil. We must unleash the innovation that allows new products to roll off our assembly lines, and nurture the ideas that spring from our entrepreneurs.”

"As we speak, al Qaeda continues to plot against us, and its leadership remains anchored in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists," Obama added.

According to CNN.com, America plans to begin troop withdrawal in Afghanistan in July 2011.