Menu
15/12/2011
American Flag Lowered In Baghdad
After over eight years of intense fighting that lead to the deaths in excess of an estimated 1 million troops and civilians, the USA has lowered its flag in Iraq, formally ending their operations in the middle-eastern country.
Some 4,000 US soldiers will remain in Iraq, but are due to leave in the next two weeks. During the peak of the operation, US forces there numbered 170,000.
The ceremony in Capital Baghdad was officially ended by the lowering og US forces flag.
Speaking at Fort Bragg on Thursday to returning troops, US President Barack Obama said: "Over the last three years, nearly 150,000 U.S. troops have left Iraq. And over the next few days, a small group of American soldiers will begin the final march out of that country. Some of them are on their way back to Fort Bragg.
"As your Commander-in-Chief, I can tell you that it will indeed be a part of history. Those last American troops will move south on desert sands, and then they will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high. One of the most extraordinary chapters in the history of the American military will come to an end. Iraq’s future will be in the hands of its people. America’s war in Iraq will be over."
"It’s harder to end a war than begin one. Indeed, everything that American troops have done in Iraq -– all the fighting and all the dying, the bleeding and the building, and the training and the partnering -– all of it has led to this moment of success. Now, Iraq is not a perfect place. It has many challenges ahead. But we’re leaving behind a sovereign, stable and self-reliant Iraq, with a representative government that was elected by its people. We’re building a new partnership between our nations. And we are ending a war not with a final battle, but with a final march toward home."
Meanwhile, the US Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, told troops the mission had been worth the cost in blood and dollars.
He said the years of war in Iraq had yielded to an era of opportunity in which the US was a committed partner.
(DW)
Some 4,000 US soldiers will remain in Iraq, but are due to leave in the next two weeks. During the peak of the operation, US forces there numbered 170,000.
The ceremony in Capital Baghdad was officially ended by the lowering og US forces flag.
Speaking at Fort Bragg on Thursday to returning troops, US President Barack Obama said: "Over the last three years, nearly 150,000 U.S. troops have left Iraq. And over the next few days, a small group of American soldiers will begin the final march out of that country. Some of them are on their way back to Fort Bragg.
"As your Commander-in-Chief, I can tell you that it will indeed be a part of history. Those last American troops will move south on desert sands, and then they will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high. One of the most extraordinary chapters in the history of the American military will come to an end. Iraq’s future will be in the hands of its people. America’s war in Iraq will be over."
"It’s harder to end a war than begin one. Indeed, everything that American troops have done in Iraq -– all the fighting and all the dying, the bleeding and the building, and the training and the partnering -– all of it has led to this moment of success. Now, Iraq is not a perfect place. It has many challenges ahead. But we’re leaving behind a sovereign, stable and self-reliant Iraq, with a representative government that was elected by its people. We’re building a new partnership between our nations. And we are ending a war not with a final battle, but with a final march toward home."
Meanwhile, the US Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, told troops the mission had been worth the cost in blood and dollars.
He said the years of war in Iraq had yielded to an era of opportunity in which the US was a committed partner.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 October 2006
Commons to debate Iraq investigation
The government is facing the prospect of a showdown in the House of Commons today should it refuse to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war. In a debate that is the first to be held on the issue since 2004, Tories are backing an amended motion calling for a parliamentary investigation.
Commons to debate Iraq investigation
The government is facing the prospect of a showdown in the House of Commons today should it refuse to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war. In a debate that is the first to be held on the issue since 2004, Tories are backing an amended motion calling for a parliamentary investigation.
13 January 2004
US troops in Iraq accused of 'violating the laws of war'
US military forces in Iraq appear to have "violated the laws of war" by demolishing the homes of relatives of suspected insurgents or wanted former officials, Human Rights Watch said today.
US troops in Iraq accused of 'violating the laws of war'
US military forces in Iraq appear to have "violated the laws of war" by demolishing the homes of relatives of suspected insurgents or wanted former officials, Human Rights Watch said today.
11 December 2003
UK troops not properly equipped during Iraq war: NAO report
Despite fears of Iraq's WMD and chemical warfare capability – the stated reason for military intervention against the Baathist regime – British frontline troops often went into battle against Saddam's forces without the correct equipment and supplies, including nuclear, chemical and biological protection, according to a report from the National Aud
UK troops not properly equipped during Iraq war: NAO report
Despite fears of Iraq's WMD and chemical warfare capability – the stated reason for military intervention against the Baathist regime – British frontline troops often went into battle against Saddam's forces without the correct equipment and supplies, including nuclear, chemical and biological protection, according to a report from the National Aud
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
21 April 2006
Tory MP calls for Iraq withdrawal
A senior Conservative MP has given an interview calling for British troops to be withdrawn from Iraq. In an article published in the 'Daily Mail', former shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram said that Iraq was now effectively in a state of civil war and that it would be "pointless and dangerous" for UK troops to remain there.
Tory MP calls for Iraq withdrawal
A senior Conservative MP has given an interview calling for British troops to be withdrawn from Iraq. In an article published in the 'Daily Mail', former shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram said that Iraq was now effectively in a state of civil war and that it would be "pointless and dangerous" for UK troops to remain there.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Christmas Eve will be mainly dry but with a good deal of cloud, best chance of any brightness along the Antrim coast. Very mild but breezy especially around the north coast. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with a few cloud breaks developing later in the night, feeling quite mild although breezy again in the north. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
