Opinion - “Turning the page”

Tuesday, President Obama officially declared the nation’s combat mission in Iraq finished.

The last of the American combat troops have left the county. Still, 50,000 American troops remain. These troops are to provide security support and training for the Iraqi police and military.

The seven-year conflict has been controversial and expensive. The cost to America has been billions of dollars with more than 4,400 troops killed. Many thousands more were wounded and injured. International coalition forces also suffered in the conflict.

According to the President it is time to “turn the page” and concentrate on domestic matters, particularly the dire condition of the American economy. The war in Afghanistan will also receive more resources.

The end of combat operations in Iraq has been long promised. It was a center pole issue of Obama’s presidential campaign. The date chosen for the withdrawal was set long ago.

The declaration, however, does not end the saga. Fifty thousand troops remain. Although they are not designated combat troops, they will continue to face dangers. Their work is not done.

Iraq still does not have a fully functioning government. The last elections months ago resulted in political gridlock that has yet to be resolved. Citizens are still fearful of their safety in certain parts of the country. Terrorists continue to kill and maim randomly. Public services are still unreliable.

The departure of American troops marks a change in the conflict but not its end. Iraq has a long way to go to establish its place in the world as a stable, democratic nation. Gradually, this is becoming its own responsibility.

The remaining American troops, however, are destined to serve there until at least the end of 2011.

We may be turning a page, but we cannot turn our backs on them.

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