Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Iraq's Upbeat Mood Angers US Officials

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 28, 2009 7:40 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Baghdad's festive mood this weekend has left some Washington officials and military leaders simmering, the Guardian reports. While Iraqis prepare to celebrate US troops' withdrawal from city streets tomorrow, American officials say that local forces have gone untrained, forcing US troops to sustain casualties. Worse, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Iraq is preparing to "repulse" US invaders.

"It is a message to the world that we are now able to safeguard our security and administer our own affairs," Maliki said. But as 130,000 US troops prepare to leave Iraqi streets, and fight only at Baghdad's invitation, the city is recovering from 15 major bomb attacks this week alone. Maliki admitted that security will likely worsen before national elections in January. "The alert has gone to all of our forces," said one Iraqi official. "There will be no days off."

An Iraqi policeman stands guard at a checkpoint in central Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, June 28, 2009.
An Iraqi policeman stands guard at a checkpoint in central Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, June 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
In this June 22, 2009 file photo, A U.S. Army soldier carries American flags used at a ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq.
In this June 22, 2009 file photo, A U.S. Army soldier carries American flags used at a ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq.   (AP Photo/ Karim Kadim, File)
In this photo taken Tuesday, June 23, 2009, Iraqis are seen in the Kazimiyah area of north Baghdad, Iraq.
In this photo taken Tuesday, June 23, 2009, Iraqis are seen in the Kazimiyah area of north Baghdad, Iraq.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is seen at a ceremony marking the 2003 death of Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, June 27, 2009.
Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is seen at a ceremony marking the 2003 death of Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, June 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
An Iraqi smokes water pipe as others swim at a swimming pool on June 12, 2009 in Baghdad, Iraq.
An Iraqi smokes water pipe as others swim at a swimming pool on June 12, 2009 in Baghdad, Iraq.   (Getty Images)
Iraqi horse racing fans drink beer as they watch a race on May 12, 2009 at the Iraqi horse racing track in Baghdad, Iraq.
Iraqi horse racing fans drink beer as they watch a race on May 12, 2009 at the Iraqi horse racing track in Baghdad, Iraq.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
JonmarkP
Jun 29, 2009 12:53 PM CDT
The Bush Administration got to loot the Treasury, funnel over 1 $Trillion from taxpayer pockets to Blackwater, Haliburton, Kellogg Brown and Root, GHW Bush's Carlyle Group and their Oil buddies. They were able to wreck the US infrastructure in the process, rolling back decades of progress for working people. When Bush stood on the aircraft carrier saying "Mission Accomplished", he was not kidding.
Doctor-Zaius
Jun 29, 2009 12:48 PM CDT
What happened to them greeting us as liberators with flowers and chocolates?
kokuaguy
Jun 29, 2009 12:46 PM CDT
Just get the hell out !!!

 
Iraq • Baghdad • Nouri al-Maliki • US military • Washington • occupation

More Newser Stories

Iraqis Celebrate 'Sovereignty Day' as US Pulls Back

Bush Makes Surprise Farewell Stop in Baghdad

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

Abuse, Awful Conditions Reported at Green Zone Jail

US Troops Sucked Into New Iraq Skirmish
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne