Editorial
US combat role ends in Iraq
Much now depends on how Baghdad copes
Ending combat operations by American soldiers in Iraq has long been a plank of Barack Obama's political programme. Understandably, for one who was opposed to the war as a senator and who in fact voted against it, it was particularly painful to have to inherit the very conflict he thought was unnecessary when it began in 2003. Mr. Obama reminded the electorate in his campaign for the White House that he would end American involvement in Iraq as president. Now that American forces have officially gone ahead with the draw-down, it is important to assess what the impact of the US decision will likely be.
The first point to be borne in mind is that not all American soldiers will be going home. A fairly large number will stay back to assist the Iraqi armed forces in handling the very conflict the Americans have been dealing with. That brings one to the question of whether Iraq's soldiers in the army, crafted over the last few years under American supervision, will really be able to bring matters under their control. One might recall that a few weeks ago, a senior Iraqi general suggested that American forces stay back for the next ten years in order for Iraqi soldiers to get a full and good grasp on the situation. That suggestion was naturally ignored by the Obama administration.
The second point concerns the ability of Iraq's army to contain the insurgency, which all so often has been a serious challenge for American soldiers. In the past couple of weeks, explosions in Iraq have killed a number of people, raising questions of whether Iraq's army and other security forces will be able to cope with conditions. For Iraq's people, however, the departure of US troops is a sign that the country is back in their hands and that their government and their military are fully qualified to lead the country into a democratic era. It may sound like idealism, but it is there all the same.
One can only wish Iraq's people well. They have paid a high price since the unwarranted, illegal invasion of their country by US and British forces in 2003. The beautiful country they once inhabited is now a memory. We expect that Iraq's politicians will be able to forge a credible government, even though six months have gone by since the elections. Nuri al-Maliki should realise that trying to cling to power by keeping Iyad Allawi out can only undermine Iraq. Right now, it is stability the country needs. Operation New Dawn, as the Obama administration puts it, should lead to real, concrete results. If it does not, the consequences will be horrible.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Related News
An alarming report on children’s exposure to climate risks
19 June 2026, 19:07 PM
Editorial
Why is safe water inaccessible for millions despite rising spending?
19 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
BB must confront bad loans’ true scale
18 June 2026, 18:38 PM
Editorial
Dolphin deaths must be investigated
18 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
Weak policing fuelling rise in crimes
17 June 2026, 18:18 PM
Editorial
Comments