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December 15, 2011 in Nation/World
Panetta formally shuts down US war in Iraq
BAGHDAD — After nearly nine years, 4,500 American dead, 32,000 wounded and more than $800 billion, U.S. officials formally shut down the war in Iraq — a conflict that U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said was worth the price in blood and money, as it set Iraq on a path to democracy.
Panetta stepped off his military plane in Baghdad Thursday as the leader of America’s war in Iraq, but will leave as one of many top U.S. and global officials who hope to work with the struggling nation as it tries to find its new place in the Middle East and the broader world.
More than 100,000 Iraqis have been killed since the U.S. invasion in 2003, according to the Iraq Body Count website. Bombings and gun battles are still common. And experts are concerned about the Iraqi security force’s ability to defend the nation against foreign threats.
Still, Panetta said earlier this week, the war “has not been in vain.”
Panetta and several other U.S. diplomatic, military and defense leaders participated Thursday in a symbolic ceremony during which the flag of U.S. Forces-Iraq was officially retired, or “cased,” according to Army tradition. The U.S. Forces-Iraq flag was furled — or wrapped — around a flagpole and covered in camouflage. It will be brought back to the United States.
“You will leave with great pride — lasting pride,” Panetta told the troops. “Secure in knowing that your sacrifice has helped the Iraqi people to begin a new chapter in history.”
During a stop in Afghanistan this week, Panetta described the mission as “making that country sovereign and independent and able to govern and secure itself.”
That, he said, is “a tribute to everybody — everybody who fought in that war, everybody who spilled blood in that war, everybody who was dedicated to making sure we could achieve that mission.”
Iraqi citizens offered a more pessimistic assessment. “The Americans are leaving behind them a destroyed country,” said Mariam Khazim of Sadr City. “The Americans did not leave modern schools or big factories behind them. Instead, they left thousands of widows and orphans.”
A member of the political coalition loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr saw another message in the U.S. withdrawal. “The American ceremony represents the failure of the U.S. occupation of Iraq due to the great resistance of the Iraqi people,” said Sadrist lawmaker Amir al-Kinani.
Panetta echoed President Barack Obama’s promise that the U.S. plans to keep a robust diplomatic presence in Iraq, foster a deep and lasting relationship with the nation and maintain a strong military force in the region.
As of Thursday, there were two U.S. bases and about 4,000 U.S. troops in Iraq — a dramatic drop from the roughly 500 military installations and as many as 170,000 troops during the surge ordered by President George W. Bush in 2007, when violence and raging sectarianism gripped the country. All U.S. troops are slated to be out of Iraq by the end of the year, but officials are likely to meet that goal a bit before then.
The total U.S. departure is a bit earlier than initially planned, and military leaders worry that it is a bit premature for the still maturing Iraqi security forces, who face continuing struggles to develop the logistics, air operations, surveillance and intelligence sharing capabilities they will need in what has long been a difficult neighborhood.
U.S. officials were unable to reach an agreement with the Iraqis on legal issues and troop immunity that would have allowed a small training and counterterrorism force to remain. U.S. defense officials said they expect there will be no movement on that issue until sometime next year.
Still, despite Obama’s earlier contention that all American troops would be home for Christmas, at least 4,000 forces will remain in Kuwait for some months. The troops will be able to help finalize the move out of Iraq, but could also be used as a quick reaction force if needed.
Obama met in Washington with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki earlier this week, vowing to remain committed to Iraq as the two countries struggle to define their new relationship. Ending the war was an early goal of the Obama administration, and Thursday’s ceremony will allow the president to fulfill a crucial campaign promise during a politically opportune time. The 2012 presidential race is roiling and Republicans are in a ferocious battle to determine who will face off against Obama in the election.
Panetta acknowledged the difficulties for Iraq in the coming years, as the country tries to find its footing.
“They’re going face challenges in the future,” Panetta said Wednesday during a visit with troops in Afghanistan. “They’ll face challenges from terrorism, they’ll face challenges from those that would want to divide their country. They’ll face challenges from just the test of democracy, a new democracy and trying to make it work. But the fact is, we have given them the opportunity to be able to succeed.”
The ceremony at Baghdad International Airport also featured remarks from Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Lloyd Austin, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.
Austin is leading the massive logistical challenge of shuttering hundreds of bases and combat outposts, and methodically moving more than 50,000 U.S. troops and their equipment out of Iraq over the last year — while still conducting training, security assistance and counterterrorism battles.
The war “tested our military’s strength and our ability to adapt and evolve,” he said, noting the development of the new counterinsurgency doctrine.
Over the coming days, the final few thousand U.S. troops will leave Iraq in orderly caravans and tightly scheduled flights — a marked contrast to the shock and awe that rocked the country on March 20, 2003, as the U.S. invasion began.
Saddam Hussein has been ousted, the reports of weapons of mass destruction largely laid to rest. And the future of a nascent democracy awaits.
© Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Stocks plummet as outlook in Europe dims 
oneanddone on December 15 at 6:31 a.m.
And I would hope not one more nickel goes to Baghdaddy and all this brethren.
DickAdams on December 15 at 6:35 a.m.
Thursday’s ceremony will allow the president to fulfill a crucial campaign promise during a politically opportune time? Reelected at any cost? One might wonder whether or not the “rush” to get out of the country is a good idea or not. In my heart, a better move would have been 2 or 3 years ago rather than use the war as a political football. Seems to me, the timing of pulling all the troops out in haste was a questionable move when Obama is so busy campaigning for his second term.
JBlim on December 15 at 6:48 a.m.
Zzzzzzz. Everything Obama does now will be seen by cynics as part of his campaign.
“Rush” to get out?? Are you kidding? We’ve been there almost nine years. WWII was only 6 years. Too bad Obama had to waste so much time cleaning up that last guy’s mess. You were all gung ho to bomb Baghdad, Remember?
WHS on December 15 at 6:56 a.m.
Dick, your a sad little man… All you can do is complain about YOUR President, even when he does the right thing. I mean even in your idiotic post you contradict yourself. You say President Obama “rushed” this, then you say we should have gotten out 2 or 3 years ago. And I hate to tell you this, but the whole war in Iraq was political from the get go…
All I have to say is WAHOO! My heartfelt thanks goes out to all those troops and families that participated in this awful war. Also, my prayers to all the wounded and condolences to all the families that suffered loss during this war.
Thank You President Obama!
Now, let’s end things in Afghanistan and get down to taking care of business in America!
WHS
mikeln on December 15 at 7:21 a.m.
And the government lies untill the end. 800 billion? Try 3 trillion, with most of the profit going to corporations that pay no taxes. All the lives lost for the profit of the few. And guess who is on the line to pay back all this borrowed money. We need to stop this corporate ran government from racking up debt in our name for thier profit. And congress wonders why we despise them.
JBlim on December 15 at 7:24 a.m.
Actually, bringing the troops home by Christmas will hurt the unemployment numbers, which would be a negative for Obama. Doing the right thing, Republicans ought to give it a try someday.
schleufer on December 15 at 7:26 a.m.
Secretary Leon Panetta said was worth the price in blood and money
im trying to think of something to say here about this remark but …………….
greyhound2 on December 15 at 7:31 a.m.
Didn’t notice any ticker tape victory parade in New York City.
Diana on December 15 at 7:34 a.m.
What? No landing on an aircraft carrier, wearing a flight suit and codpiece with a Mission Accomplished banner in the background?
Sorry, Barry. Little Georgie stole your thunder. In 2003.
The_Seer on December 15 at 7:41 a.m.
What the story fails to mention is the huge “civilian” footprint the U.S. will leave behind. The U.S. embassy in Iraq is nearly the size of the Pentagon. Tens of thousands of C.I.A. and other U.S. personnel will be in Iraq for decades along with private contractors. Include thousands more to provide security and the idea that the U.S. is “out of Iraq” is laughable. Hundreds of billions of dollars in taxpayer funds will continue to be poured down that hole while 1 in 2 citizens of the U.S. are now in poverty or low-income.
Shadedmuse on December 15 at 9:22 a.m.
This is like closing a broadway show that stayed to long in Production.
Obama has full filled another election promise, by ending thebushes iraq mistake and getting Osama, 4 more years 4 more years of the greatest president this country has ever had. if you need someone to clean up after a texas govenor, elect a guiy from hawaii.
liberal_in_right_wing_land on December 15 at 9:22 a.m.
Funny when tea baggers say Obama is rushing this…..sorry but wasn’t it the idiot president before Obama that got us into this illegal war in the first place the one that signed the deal with Iraq to pull all forces out by this time…..oh yeah….that is correct. Obama had nothing to do with it other that enforcing the treaty signed with another country and previous president.
Funny tea baggers who know nothing about history.
Shadedmuse on December 15 at 9:28 a.m.
Tea-baggers living up to their name everyday.
DickAdams on December 15 at 9:30 a.m.
WHS, reading your comment, its obvious your 3 inches shorter than I am.
You go on to say, “And I hate to tell you this, but the whole war in Iraq was political from the get go”.
That`s a statement, I`m in total agreement.
The fat cats who lined their pockets with money is a travesty, pure and simple.
The other hog wash regarding Obama`s timing I took from the story.
“Thursday’s ceremony will allow the president to fulfill a crucial campaign promise during a “POLITICALLY OPPORTUNE TIME”. I wonder how you interrupt, Opportune time? Your entitled to your opinion, and the last time I checked, I`m also entitled to mine. Like it or not, 3 inches shorter then me.
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on December 15 at 9:32 a.m.
One thing we can be sure of: if we stayed in Iraq until after the next election and a Republican won, we sure as hell wouldn’t be “rushing” out of there. Too many devout followers of The Great Profit known as Dollah (commonly indicated with the symbol $)
BlondeSquawker on December 15 at 9:34 a.m.
Please stop your whining, DICK.
DickAdams on December 15 at 9:40 a.m.
BTW, the reason I used 2 or 3 years is, that was Obama`s promise to bring the troops home immediately after taking office. Why wait 3 years?
DickAdams on December 15 at 9:43 a.m.
Blonde, your moniker says it all. Talk about calling the pot black Squawker, its so hypocritical. LOL
johnclarke on December 15 at 9:51 a.m.
DickAdams on December 15 at 9:40 a.m.
BTW, the reason I used 2 or 3 years is, that was Obama`s promise to bring the troops home immediately after taking office. Why wait 3 years?
OMG, he’s bringing them out too soon, he’s bringing them out not soon enough. First of all, let’s all agree that even if we table the fact the invasion of Iraq was not necessary, it was the worst managed war in history. President Bush owns responsibility for the insurgency. The military conflict was over in a matter of weeks, then we put the Iraqi military out of work and taunt them with “bring it on.” Well, bring it on they did.
Obama ended the occupation in a timely manner, but no matter what, he will face idiots like Dick Adams that clearly feel he can’t do anything right.
If the wing nuts would just pay attention, they will learn how to fight the “global war of terror” . Obama is using the right tools to knock off the bad guys like bowling pins, including the #1 miss of the Bush administration.
RedCedar on December 15 at 11:21 a.m.
Seer has the best point here. In these days when we start wars without passing a declaration of war, wars aren’t over just because we “declare” an end. What is going to happen to the US embassy fortress in Baghdad? Is it all going to be turned over the the Iraqis except for a little house and office for our ambassador? Will all weapons be removed? I doubt it. What about the other US bases in Iraq? And by the way, can we please see copies of all the procurement contracts and rental agreements that will remain in force between the US government and Iraqi vendors?
Of course the war is over. The war was supposed to be over when we deposed Saddam Hussein. If the war continued past that point, it was a war against Iraqi citizens, in which case our operation was an invasion and conquest rather than a liberation. Next on the list better be Afghanistan, which is also costing us hundreds of billion of dollars per year for absolutely no discernible benefit. There are only two presidential candidates who have promised to end that other undeclared war, Barack Obama and Ron Paul.
Birdog on December 15 at 11:30 a.m.
YAY!!! Peace has come to Iraq!….. nice democracy in place, all the tribal goat herders at peace with each other…all the fanatic Islam religions slapping each other on the back…..all the women can drive, go to school, arn’t under a man’s feet anymore….Burger Kings everywhere…..Starbucks on the corners….a few porn shops sprinkled here and there……ah..democracy! .The government is just like us except they wear turbans……I can hear Bush saying, ah…true democracy at last…and Obama saying to himself, thank God were out of that rat hole…..neither one of them know that Democracy as we see it does not and will not co-exist with ISLAM.
Diana on December 15 at 12:01 p.m.
Your moniker says a lot about you, too, Dick.
WHS on December 15 at 12:17 p.m.
Diana, I am hurting from laughing so hard!
Birdog, you obviously are not a history buff… Islam and Christianity has co-existed for centuries. It really has only been a few fundamentalist religous leaders that have caused all the violence and bloodshed. Remember, Georgey boy went on national tv and told America that God approved his plan to invade Iraq. Therefore, that makes it doubly ok.
WHS
johnclarke on December 15 at 1:13 p.m.
The sun never sets on the British Empire. Oh wait, yes it does.
Birdog on December 15 at 1:17 p.m.
WHS…I said “democracy” as Americans know it will NOT coexist with Islamic religons……not Christianity.
detroitdude on December 15 at 1:29 p.m.
“I said “democracy” as Americans know it will NOT coexist with Islamic religons……not Christianity.”
And this is why this occupation was such a waste of money and American, and Iraqi lives. It is rather foolhardy to think that just because we toppled these peoples’ small potatoes dictator that all of a sudden they are going to embrace our “instant gratification/fast food” society.
These people always have lived in a very different and conservative manner than us. That being said, there are millions of Muslims who live in the US and they are happy to be here, don’t build bombs, drive cars, shop at the grocery store, and watch TV like anyone else. They seem to have assimilated into American life just fine. In fact I’m sure there are thousands of Muslims who have immigrated here and are happy that they were able to leave their lives in the Middle East behind them.
WHS on December 15 at 2:19 p.m.
birdog, I apologize. I obviously did not read that thoroughly enough.
However, I would agree with Detroit, that Islam and Democracy, even as “we” see it, get a long just fine. The truth is, Democracy and almost any religous fundamentalists, whether christian or islamic, does not work. History has many examples of both from both ends of the spectrum. That’s why people like Usama Bin Laden and Jim Jones were not welcome even in their own countries. And also why our form of government was designed to keep religion seperate.
WHS
Scoutster on December 15 at 2:35 p.m.
birdog…
The largest democracy in the world is Islamic.
johnclarke on December 15 at 3:05 p.m.
Birdog on December 15 at 11:30 a.m.
YAY!!! Peace has come to Iraq!….. nice democracy in place, all the tribal goat herders at peace with each other…all the fanatic Islam religions slapping each other on the back…..all the women can drive, go to school, arn’t under a man’s feet anymore….Burger Kings everywhere…..Starbucks on the corners….a few porn shops sprinkled here and there……ah..democracy! .The government is just like us except they wear turbans……I can hear Bush saying, ah…true democracy at last…and Obama saying to himself, thank God were out of that rat hole…..neither one of them know that Democracy as we see it does not and will not co-exist with ISLAM.
Well I think everyone gets that, except of course for the last administration.
DickAdams on December 15 at 4:34 p.m.
Reading some of the posts, I thought to myself, I`ll wager many of the posters do not know why and the reason the Constitution written. For those who don`t, it was written to guard the citizens from the government. In our wonderful country no one has to agree with me.
WHS
Shorty, it appears your mommy should have taught you a few good manners. If she had, you wouldn`t have the smart Alec mouth you exhibit. Shorty, its people like you that think, “my way or the highway”. I actually feel sorry for know it all`s. How sad.
Dazzeetrader11 on December 15 at 5:40 p.m.
The surge won this war. Obama did nothing further. He just called it quits so he could gather votes. What a silly man. Sillier are those who think he actually DID anything.
Well, Iraq now goes back to muslim extremeists. One thing I know is that there will never be a longlasting pease with these Muslim Arabs. The like to fight…and you ‘d better do it their way or you will die.
Not much to win there. We lost a lot. I still cannot understand why or how we got there to begin with. We lost a lot…we beat the crap out of Iraq. But, as usual, we do not and can not win anything when there’s nothing to win. We beat em up…no doubt…but we’ll never win without the minds and hearts of the people.
Pigrobin on December 15 at 5:40 p.m.
Seer is right, we are leaving sort of. The DS footprint in “The Iraq” along with associated supporting contractors is huge. But…we did bring the DOD home (see President’s speech welcoming home all the troops) or at least we moved them over to Kuwait and assorted other countries in the Arabian Gulf. Is there still a large US mil presence in the Middle East? Ans: Why yes, there most definitely is.
DickAdams on December 15 at 6:43 p.m.
For what its worth, I feel compelled to explain the reason I`m acting out of character and acting like a spoiled kid retaliating in the same manner as the name calling group who, IMO, enjoy ridiculing posters that have a different opinion than theirs.
When I first started posting to the SR website, I would never have thought I`d stoop to name calling. The reason I reciprocated was, I finally got sick and tired of being called, stupid, idiot, a republican by a person who did not know what they were talking about and a few other names to boot. Enough already, I acted like a spoiled brat as well. BTW, I can`t stand either party and more especially career politicians from both parties who listen to lobbyists rather than their constituents. I would never belong to either party. Period. If every one would be honest to themselves they would stop their one track mind blaming only one party, when both parties are guilty of screwing the public. Or thinking their party is the best and the other one is rotten to the core… The posters surely know that both parties accept money from the lobbyists and Washington DC need a complete political overhaul.
I`m not proud of acting like the others in the game of name calling, and it may be time to accept their remarks and act like a grown up for a change. One thing for sure is the name callers remind me of a dog owner who should never have owned a dog because I think they would be abusive and kick the poor dog and treat some posters the same. (might be taking out their frustrations.)
Now that I got that off my chest, I apologize for my poor behavior and will stop name calling immediately. If calling me names continues, I may think whether or not to even continue posting my views. Having said that, I know by writing this missive, most of you don`t give a damn if I participate or not. . I do indeed understand. That`s OK by me. I`m even going to click on the send key without reading it.
johnclarke on December 15 at 6:45 p.m.
DickAdams on December 15 at 4:34 p.m.
Reading some of the posts, I thought to myself, I`ll wager many of the posters do not know why and the reason the Constitution written. For those who don`t, it was written to guard the citizens from the government. In our wonderful country no one has to agree with me.
Oh, you poor misinformed boob. That is most certainly not why the Constitution was written. It was written to turn a loose group of states into a Republic, issue currency and certain powers to branches of government. What school did you attend ?
Dazzeetrader11 on December 15 at 5:40 p.m.
The surge won this war. Obama did nothing further. He just called it quits so he could gather votes. What a silly man. Sillier are those who think he actually DID anything
Shut up, stupid. The “surge” was simply sending more troops to a situation created by the morons of the Bush Administration. The Generals tasked with leading this ill advised invasion made it very clear they were not permitted enough troops to hold the country. Idiot.
MikeA on December 15 at 6:55 p.m.
What a complete and utter waste…. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/14/9422243-post-us-iraq-welcome-to-shia-stan
I wonder if George yet can find Iraq on a map without help? Does he yet understand the difference between Shiite and Sunni (only the single most important key to understanding the entire Middle East). Anyone with any kind of knowledge about the Middle East and Islam would have predicted this exact outcome.
Thanks George, for the meaningless wars, thanks for sending our youth off to fight them for your pride and hubris, and thanks for completely hosing the American economy to pay for them.
johnclarke on December 15 at 7:21 p.m.
MikeA on December 15 at 6:55 p.m.
Thanks George, for the meaningless wars, thanks for sending our youth off to fight them for your pride and hubris, and thanks for completely hosing the American economy to pay for them.
Oh, he didn’t pay for the wars. The Bush administration kept all of that off the books, then the Obama administration put the cost on the books. Then the Republicans immediately started blaming the Obama administration for “out of control spending.”
johnclarke on December 15 at 7:48 p.m.
Oh and MikeA, thank you for providing that link and I hope people will take the time to read it. I’m sure the Iranians appreciate the removal of their problem in the region.
Pigrobin on December 15 at 8:18 p.m.
I guess we can play the Bush blame game for the next ten years. Are any of you blame gamers paying attention to what’s going on in Yemen, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti? Who you gonna blame for these expensive “little” operations?
Pigrobin on December 15 at 8:21 p.m.
Oh and did I mention the Seychelles? What are we doing there you left side Bush blame gamers? http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/12/u-s-predator-drone-crashes-in-seychelles/
johnclarke on December 15 at 8:33 p.m.
Pigrobin on December 15 at 8:18 p.m.
I guess we can play the Bush blame game for the next ten years
As opposed to blaming Obama for Bush’s 8 years ?
Pigrobin on December 15 at 8:46 p.m.
Come on JC, the point is Obama is following the Bush model and is executing the war on terror as if he was Bush. Tell me what’s changed? And what about Gitmo…only now the Obama administration has decided Americans can go there too…forever. I give, what’s different?
greenlibertarian on December 15 at 11:03 p.m.
Welcome to the community of nations, West Iran.
greenlibertarian on December 15 at 11:08 p.m.
Oh yeah, almost forgot, ancient Christian presence in Iraq, including involvement in Saddam’s government, good knowing you now that you’ve had to flee the country of your birth and long origin, sorry US backed Shia just won’t tolerate you anymore.
johnclarke on December 16 at 1:55 p.m.
Pigrobin on December 15 at 8:46 p.m.
Come on JC, the point is Obama is following the Bush model and is executing the war on terror as if he was Bush. Tell me what’s changed? And what about Gitmo…only now the Obama administration has decided Americans can go there too…forever. I give, what’s different?
First of all, Obama is doing his best to get out of the “Bush model” of the war on terror. No matter how you slice the apple, people will say whatever they want to please themselves. Obama leaves Iraq and “oh that was Bush’s withdraw date” Obama increases the use of drones “oh that is Bush’s policy” Obama breathes air “oh that is Bush’s air” . What a bunch of nonsense.
Land wars begun by Bush - 2 Obama 0
Bin Laden’s killed Bush - 0 Obama - 1
Wars exited - Bush - 0 Obama - 1
Obama is knocking off key terror targets, and I would say a lot more than the last guy. He is doing it without major military engagements, and I might add taking a hard line against Pakistan. Something Bush failed at completely. BTW, Obama tried to close Gitmo and Congress blocked him.
Pigrobin on December 16 at 2:56 p.m.
I realize Obama’s your guy but he is doing the same thing Bush was doing only in more places. You just want to saddle blame and give kudos when in my view, neither is appropriate.
johnclarke on December 17 at 5:06 p.m.
He’s not “my guy” thank you very much. However, even a complete hater has to admit he is way better at fighting our enemies than Bush was. I really, really have to ask - what exactly would you have the President do differently? Also, is it not totally obvious to you he is not doing “the same thing?” Bush got us wrapped in two land wars. Obama is trying to get out of them. Opposite approach.
Who else is to blame but George Bush? 9/11 happened on his watch. The two invasions, um yeah same.
WHS on December 19 at 1:08 p.m.
gee dickadams, after all that what are we supposed to do, start actually listening to your inane ramblings? Seriously dickadams, you should get honest… Your upset is not because you stooped to some lower level, but because you have been getting your arse kicked everytime you post. And believe me, I have read some of your drivel and you reek of teapartyism… So, don’t go trying to kid us now…
And I have to agree with JC and say thanks to Mike for posting the link.
Reality is, President Obama has done a much better job at being CIC than former President Bush ever dreamed. I just wish people would start pulling their heads out of the sand, or bottle in dizzee circumstance, and start acknowledging a good job when it’s done. You might start earning a little respect around here, and may even get people to start listening to you for a change. As it stands now, I can predict what most of you are going to post before you even post it.
WHS aka Shorty (thanks dickyboy, atleast you finally got somewhat original for a change)