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Obama: Iraq War Ends by Aug. 31, 2010

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2009 12:00 PM CST

(Newser) – President Obama didn’t mince his words in his address at Camp Lejeune, NC, today. “By Aug. 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end,” he declared, earning his first applause from the audience of Marines. “Iraq is not yet secure, and there will be difficult days ahead,” he said, but all US troops will be out by the end of 2011, USA Today reports.

Those dates are in line with the Status of Forces agreement the Bush administration signed with Iraq. Obama said he settled on the Aug. 31 deadline, three months later than the 16 months promised during the campaign, after consulting with military leaders. He also reassured Iraqis that America “pursues no claim on your territory or resources,” and is hoping for “a new era of American leadership and engagement in the Middle East.”

President Barack Obama greets Marines after arriving at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, NC, today. (AP Photo)

President Obama greets Marines after speaking about troop level reductions in Iraq at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Marines wait patiently for the arrival of President Barack Obama at Camp Lejeune, NC, today. (AP Photo)

President Barack Obama speaks during a visit to Camp Lejeune, NC, today. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 13 comments

Caps

Feb 28, 2009 6:51 AM CST

Oh, smart one.......

AdaptAndOvercome

Feb 28, 2009 6:03 AM CST

Don't take it out on Obama. The agreement was signed by Bush to guarantee that our troops would be there until then (remember he rushed to get it signed during the last days in office) and Obama has now guaranteed that he will get them out and not renew Bush's contract. Believe me, I understand your urgency. One day in Iraq is one day to long. The time my husband spent there seemed like an eternity. It took months to get our equipment there and our troops, it will take that long to prepare everything to be sent back and to get our troops home.

Guest

Feb 28, 2009 12:31 AM CST

Yeah right! The army being in Iraq is what is scaring the terrorists away from US shores.

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Barack Obama • speech • Camp Lejeune • Iraq exit strategy • Status of Forces Agreement • President Obama • Marines

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

Gates, Obama: Different Parties, Similar Views

Defense secretary wants to close Gitmo, focus on Afghanistan

Obama: Swift End to Iraq War Will Strengthen Security

Candidate makes position crystal clear

Obama to GOP: Keep Your Word on Taxes

President chides Republicans on payroll taxes

Obama: We Stand Behind Arab Protesters

Back Mideast peace deal based on 1967 borders

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Newser By Users

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