Robust employment growth continues in the United States

Economy seems to be in the path of recovery in the United States boosted by strong job growth for the third consecutive month. The United States Labor Department has confirmed an addition of 2,27,000 new jobs in February alone, which has surpassed experts’ expectation by 17000 new jobs. Although unemployment rate is still steady at 8.3 percent, surge in jobs has brought renewed hope in the US.

Since December last year, there has been 7,34,000 addition of new jobs in the US. Interestingly, the latest burst in job growth is the second since recession, the first one continued for three consecutive months from March to May 2010.

The improvement in the United States job market scenario and the growth in the manufacturing sector are expected to give a major advantage to President Obama’s re-election chances in November 2012. Though Republicans are not prepared to give it much importance, Obama’s approval rating is on the rise since the last couple of months.

Now the big question is, will the current momentum be sustainable enough to bring down the unemployment rate? People in the United States are hopeful that it would, but only time would tell.

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.