This time we didn't leave on the struts of a Huey...

[TLAM Strike]

This time we left with a friendly foot race to the boarder.

Last US "Combat" Troops leave Iraq. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100819/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq_americans_head_home)

Still will be some time before all US troops are out, since US Forces in an advisory role will still help the Iraqi Government and Army rebuild.

...discuss...

[SteamWake]

We will be there for decades as we always do.

[jumpy]

lack of moral fibre... discuss ?
It might be good for public opinion and all of that stuff about the war being for oil/profit/get rid of saddam and many other motives, but I'll paraphrase something an american general said sometime last week - the withdrawal of combat troops should be based on the situational stability at the time - or words to that effect.
Wrecking the country then saying 'ok, it's up to you guys now, you're on you're own because it's not comfortable back home for us to be here any more' is asking for trouble.
It's a crappy job, but we started it, and the very least the ordinary people of iraq deserve is for us to finish it and not to leave them worse off than before we started.

That whole business in iraq and afghanistan was phenomenally short-sighted. We brits ought to have known better given our lengthy experience in N ireland. But that's politics, I guess.

[GoldenRivet]

This time we didn't leave on the struts of a Huey...

yet:D



joke

[Ducimus]

We will be there for decades as we always do.

This.

I've heard that a helluva lot of concrete has been poured in Iraq. That may not mean much to the average joe, but to me it says A LOT.

[August]

Actually the famous rooftop Huey escape didn't happen until two whole years after the last US combat troops left Vietnam so I guess we'll see if that picture is repeated in Baghdad sometime in 2012.

http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr325/chippymick/usembassy3.jpg

[TLAM Strike]

Actually the famous rooftop Huey escape didn't happen until two whole years after the last US combat troops left Vietnam so I guess we'll see if that picture is repeated in Baghdad sometime in 2012.

http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr325/chippymick/usembassy3.jpg

Little known fact, flying CAP for that operation was the F-14 Tomcat.

[AngusJS]

This time we didn't leave on the struts of a Huey...Obviously this time we used a Black Hawk. :D

[Zachstar]

We cant consider a war over only after the last soldier leaves. If that were the case we would be in war after war with half the nations on earth. End of Combat Operations means End of War Period

Now it is up to the Iraq gov will they go running to Iran as expected or try to keep their independence.

[Platapus]

Yup, now we will see if the government of Iraq is worthy of running their country. The United States can only help people achieve liberty, we can't do it all for them.

As for this being the end? I have not heard any fat ladies singing :nope:

[Dowly]

That presence is far from over. Scatterings of troops still await departure, and some 50,000 will stay another year in what is designated as a noncombat role. They will carry weapons to defend themselves and accompany Iraqi troops on missions (but only if asked). Special forces will continue to help Iraqis hunt for terrorists.

Umm... how does that translate as noncombat role? :doh:

[Oberon]

Umm... how does that translate as noncombat role? :doh:

ROE will dictate that when the terrorists are found they are to be given a smack on the wrist and told to stop being naughty. :03:

[Dowly]

ROE will dictate that when the terrorists are found they are to be given a smack on the wrist and told to stop being naughty. :03:

Fair enough. :DL

[TLAM Strike]

Umm... how does that translate as noncombat role? :doh:
One of the primary missions of the Special Forces is to train other nation's armies. Its one of the main missions of the Green Berets IIRC, MARSOC does it too as does the British SAS (They have a long history of this).

They will also be providing intelligence gathering and logistical support to the Iraqi Army since we got a lot of fancy gear they don't.

[Weiss Pinguin]

ROE will dictate that when the terrorists are found they are to be given a smack on the wrist and told to stop being naughty. :03:
And for this they will be awarded the meritorious restraint medal ;)