Iraq is today a shattered society, shaped by two major international wars, bombings, debilitating sanctions, civil war, emigration of millions of its best-educated people, deadly insurgency and counterinsurgency and foreign occupation over 20 years.
Marines lowered the American flag in Baghdad today, symbolically marking the end of the United State's military intervention in Iraq. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta oversaw the "retiring of the colors" before the remainder of U.S. forces decamped to Kuwait.
President Barack Obama saluted troops returning from Iraq Wednesday, declaring that the nearly nine-year conflict is ending honorably, "not with a final battle, but with a final march toward home."
If you missed the speech, CNN has the brief statement below. Fom his remarks: "Over the next two months our troops in Iraq, tens of thousands of them, will pack up their gear and board convoys for the journey home," Obama said. "The last American soldier will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops."
