“Operation ‘Iraqi freedom’ is over” – Obama

President Barack Obama gives his highly-anticipated address to the US on the future of Iraq, announcing that the “American combat in Iraq has ended.”“Tonight, I encourage Iraq’s leaders to move forward with a sense of urgency; to form an inclusive government that is just, representative, and accountable to the Iraqi people. And when that government is in place, there should be no doubt the Iraqi people will have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq’s future is not.”“Going forward, a transitional force of US troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq’s security forces, supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counter-terrorism missions and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government all US troops will leave by the end of next year.”   RT