BARACK OBAMA: "Today, in the face of violence from those who would only destroy, Iraqis took a step forward in the hard work of building up their country. The United States will continue to help them in that effort as we responsibly end this war and support the Iraqi people as they take control of their future."
President Obama praised the Iraqi security forces which took the lead in providing protection for voters. The next government in Iraq will have to take full responsibility for the security of the country.
Fewer than one hundred thousand American troops are in Iraq for the first time since the invasion seven years ago next week. Fifty thousand of those troops are expected to leave by the end of August. And President Obama said again that by the end of next year all American troops will be out of Iraq.
That still leaves Afghanistan. On Wednesday, by a wide majority, the United States House of Representatives rejected a call for a quick withdrawal of American troops. Democrat Dennis Kucinich of Ohio offered the resolution. He said it was time for Congress to reconsider America's involvement in Afghanistan.
DENNIS KUCINICH: "To reflect on our responsibility for troop casualties that are now reaching a thousand. To look at our responsibilities for the cost of the war, which approaches two hundred fifty billion dollars. Our responsibility for the civilian casualties and the human costs of the war."
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, the top Republican on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, opposed the resolution. She noted the recent success of an American-led offensive in Afghanistan.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25