Obama Announces Full Troop Withdrawal by End of 2011

NEW YORK (October 21, 2011) – IVAW is excited to hear President Obama's announcement this afternoon about a total troop withdrawal from Iraq by the end of 2011. We are happy to know troops will be home with their families soon. However, there will be many issues to resolve in the aftermath of this disastrous war and occupation.

The announcement today came amidst a sea of political uncertainties about the future of America’s relationship with Iraq: fears that the Status of Armed Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between Iraq and the U.S. in 2008 might be ignored or extended, popular anti-war and anti-corruption protests and violent crackdowns throughout Iraq’s major cities, and the growing Occupy Wall Street movement sweeping the U.S.

There is still much work to be done including reconciliation efforts with the Iraqi people, and healthcare, benefits, and transition programs for service members and veterans. President Obama echoed these concerns in his announcement this afternoon, but has yet to make clear his plans to address them. In addition, the President said nothing about the status of security contractors working in Iraq.

IVAW will continue to hold our elected officials accountable and build connections with Iraqi organizations doing rebuilding work on the ground.