The final convoy of US soldiers bade adieu to Iraq

History was made as the controversial Iraq war ended on Sunday, and the last of the US troops quietly made their exit from Iraqi soil to return for home. In what was termed as the last display of “tactical road march” by the United States military, a convoy of around hundred fully armored vehicles made the overnight journey to reach the boundary between Iraq and western Kuwait. The night-long journey of the fleet, carrying nearly 500 troops, was mostly uneventful.

With the withdrawal of the last of the United State military force from Iraq, ended the gulf war in the middle east that spanned nearly nine years and resulted in approximately a trillion dollar loss to US tax payers. The US troops convoy was greeted at the Kuwait border by General Lloyd Austin who had held the post of top U.S. military commander – Iraq, till Friday. Those who are remaining now in Iraq are 157 soldiers and a handful of marines carrying out diplomatic mission.

Although the Iraq war is finally over, problems are far from leaving Iraq. Already two Sunni-dominated provinces are demanding for autonomy. There is also a growing fear of Iranian influence in Iraq.

Time will tell how successful the United States role has been in its mission to establish peace and security vis-à-vis Saddam’s era in Iraq. But there is no doubt that much of the United States credibility hangs on how successfully Iraq builds its political structures and carries out structural reforms in the coming years. The world would be watching with interest…

Iraq war ends as US officially pullouts troops

Finally the declaration, which was longingly awaited around the world, came from Pentagon on Wednesday – the US-declared war in Iraq is officially over. This puts an end to a war that lasted almost nine years and snuffed out more than one lakh Iraqis and 4500 Americans. The final phase of withdrawing US troops is expected to be finished by 1st of Jan 2012 as per an agreement reached in 2008 between President Barack Obama and ex-president George Bush. At present, there are still 4000 troops deployed in two American bases in Iraq.

In a speech in North Carolina, the US President, Barack Obama, applauded his soldiers for their bravery and commitment, especially the sacrifice of dead soldiers and their families. He welcomed his soldiers back home amidst loud cheers and thanks giving.

The United States led Iraq war was headed by ex-President George Bush in 2003 on the claim that the then Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had stashed large-scale destruction weapons. This has drawn huge criticism and humiliation from all over the world as the allegation was found to be unfounded. For America, life after Iraq war perhaps presents the perfect time for introspection and for Iraq, there lays a long struggle to establish peace, stability and prosperity.