The American troops are being withdrawn from the Iraqi cities today. This time table is consistent with the recommendations of the generals including Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the American commander in Iraq. There is all round confidence that this will work. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has embraced the decision. Al-Maliki has called the U.S. withdrawal from cities as a “great victory” and declared June 30 National Sovereignty Day.
This is good news for Iraq, the United States and the world at large.
President Barack Obama, his cabinet (including Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary Hillary Clinton), and the U.S. Military have to be commended for establishment of thoughtful timetable and implementation of that timetable.
However, we should also give credit President George Bush. After all, it is only about five months since President Bush left office. The fact that Iraq’s cities are secure enough to withdraw American troops suggests that the leadership of President Bush did play a role. Even if the initial purpose and rationale for placing American troops in Iraq was completely misplaced, the subsequent management is equally important for the welfare of all. And in this President Bush provided strong, if sometimes stubborn, leadership. We have to acknowledge that President Bush’s actions did make Iraq more stable — stable enough for withdrawal within six months of his departure.
Tags: General Raymond T. Odierno, Iraq, Iraq National Sovereign Day, President Barack Obama, President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Secretary Robert Gates
