June 29, 2009
Posted: June 29th, 2009 12:57 PM ET
Gen. Ray Odierno, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said Sunday that it's time for us to move out of the cities.
Gen. Ray Odierno, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said Sunday that it's time for us to move out of the cities.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) - Tuesday marks the long-anticipated deadline for American troops to pull out of Iraqi towns and cities, but on Monday, there will be no long lines of tanks rolling out of Baghdad or thousands of troops marching out of other cities.

The U.S. military has been gradually pulling its combat troops out of Iraq's population centers for months to meet the deadline agreed to by Washington and Baghdad.

Since January, Americans have handed over or shut down more than 150 bases across the country, leaving U.S. troops in a little more than 300 locations in Iraq that gradually will be handed over to Iraqi control.

Iraqis expressed mixed feelings in the run-up to what the government has been describing as National Sovereignty Day.

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Filed under: Iraq


Stephanie   June 29th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

Of course there's little fanfare. Publicizing success in Iraq would ruin the narrative that Bush was a failure.

Zero.   June 29th, 2009 2:36 pm ET

They will still be in other parts of Iraq, for many years to come.

Sam I Am   June 29th, 2009 2:33 pm ET

No matter how you look at it, it is time for the Iraqi government and people to take over control of their country. This war was an entirely different situation than previous wars, and as such, there is no reasonable reason for US and coaltion troops to stay in Iraq. It has been long enough for the Iraqis to get their government stabilized and their controls in place. The reason they haven't moved very quickly is because they have used US presence as a crutch. Time to go and let the chips fall where they may. If the installed Iraqi government cannot go it alone, it does not deserve to be in control of the country. The Iraqi people will figure this out on their own.

gene   June 29th, 2009 2:19 pm ET

I am sure Pres. Obama received information from the generals and other military experts on this withdrawal. Our pres is briefed daily, gets lots of opinions and facts that Mccain, Linbaugh, Cheney, and the other very bitter people who have something negative to say about any decision PBO makes. At least he is intelligent enough to listen, get the facts, then makes a decision.

One thing about him if he is wrong he is man enough to admit it, accept the responsibility of the error and move on, make necessary changes if needed.

Pres. Obama wants to save lives, end this unnecessary war. If McCain had won the election we would be at war with Iran and N. Korea. We can NO LONGER BULLY THE WORLD.

Stuffit   June 29th, 2009 1:59 pm ET

Of course coverage is lacking. Most media outlets have probably dispatched a majority of their top personnel in preparation of the Michael Jackson funeral coverage.

We Americans don't need detailed reportage on issues of national import, we need gossipy, sensationalized, intimate details about our elected officials' personal lives.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   June 29th, 2009 1:53 pm ET

Out of Iraq, out of Afghanistan, out of Pakistan. Let these third-world thugs settle their disputes in their barbaric ways. No more funding for this fiasco!

Eva, Falls Church, VA   June 29th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

Congratulations President Obama! We're out!!!

Ted   June 29th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

This is a success of the Obama administration. He said we were getting out and it is happening. Thank you Barack Obama, for ending this horrible period in the history of the USA.

girlymen love the GOP   June 29th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

A really historic moment will be when John King moves to Faux News where he belongs.He no longer has any credibility with my family.

Pepper from CA   June 29th, 2009 1:41 pm ET

This is not news and barely historic because the U.S. military has been gradually pulling its combat troops out of Iraq for months. In addition, we will continue to remain to advise for years and years. So it is not really historic it would be more notable but not historic.

Enough   June 29th, 2009 1:39 pm ET

Obama ran on the promise he would bring the troops home!! Just another big fat Obama lie!!

tim   June 29th, 2009 1:39 pm ET

We are in the exact same lose/lose (stay/leave) situation we were in six years ago. Some decisions are so bad that no remedy exists. Invading Iraq is a perfect example.
bluecub

Randolph Carter   June 29th, 2009 1:31 pm ET

I guess we can get out of there now. Dick Cheney and his buddies have made their money and now they can retire. Mission accomplished. Have a nice day!

Mississippi Mike   June 29th, 2009 1:26 pm ET

More Hope and Change promises not delivered on. Hope you like the inexperience dolt you elected America.

MatthewDetroit   June 29th, 2009 1:25 pm ET

I would also like to thank Barack for admitting he was wrong when he said the surge would not work. Nice the guy has some humility although not much.

MatthewDetroit   June 29th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

So clearly President Bush was correct and it has worked in Iraq.
The Iraqi people are a free people.
They have a long road ahead but the future is better for them now.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.

katiec   June 29th, 2009 1:18 pm ET

Well, if the media had not dedicated hours upon hours on Michael Jacksons death, prior Sanford perhaps more attention about a very important happening would be there.
We are were sorry about Jacksons death and many paid tribute, but to sensationalize this 24/7 was the usual medias quest for sensationalizing.
If I remember right, while things were in such a turmoil over the Iraq war, we were bombarded with Anna Nicole Smith.
This is irresponsible, lazy reporting.

dominican mama 4 Obama   June 29th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

Thank God! Bring them home. Let the Iraquis police themselves, and bring our men and women in uniform home post haste. Let me add my sincere thanks to our military and welcome them home again.

Hugo   June 29th, 2009 1:05 pm ET

On Wednesday America will re-deploy key troops to quell rioting and subversive activity in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Thursday, troops left over from the withdrawl will be sent from Iraq directly to the South Korean border to deal with the North. Friday, a small component of left over fighting men will be sent to Bluefields AFB in Honduras to support Hugo Chavez Venezuelan troops invading Honduras to support the displaced Socialist Honduran El Presidente'. Obama shows his deep concern anytime a president is ousted for abusing a country's constitution!

Carl from MI   June 29th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

The beginning of the end of the Bush 43 war....

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