Obama Announces Iraq Withdrawal Plan

Speaking three weeks before the sixth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Obama told the Marines: "Today I’ve come to speak to you about how the war in Iraq will end."

He said that thanks to the sacrifices of American troops, "the situation in Iraq has improved," violence has been reduced, and the group, al-Qaeda in Iraq, has been dealt a serious blow.

"But let there be no doubt: Iraq is not yet secure, and there will be difficult days ahead," Obama said. "Violence will continue to be a part of life in Iraq." He said that "today there is a renewed cause for hope in Iraq, but that hope rests upon an emerging foundation."

Obama Announces Troop Withdrawal: Part I

Obama Announces Troop Withdrawal: Part II

In ending the war "through a transition to full Iraqi responsibility," the United States cannot "let the pursuit of the perfect stand in the way of achievable goals," Obama said. "We cannot rid Iraq of all who oppose America or sympathize with our adversaries. We cannot police Iraq’s streets until they are completely safe, nor stay until Iraq’s union is perfected. We cannot sustain indefinitely a commitment that has put a strain on our military, and will cost the American people nearly a trillion dollars. America’s men and women in uniform have fought block by block, province by province, year after year, to give the Iraqis this chance to choose a better future. Now, we must ask the Iraqi people to seize it."

He told the audience, drawing a smattering of applause, "So let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end." The Marines also applauded politely when Obama added that under the status-of-forces agreement with Iraq, "I intend to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011."

Addressing the Iraqi people, Obama praised them for their efforts to overcome tyranny and sectarian violence. "Instead of giving in to the forces of disunion, you stepped back from a descent into civil war and showed a proud resilience that deserves respect," Obama said.

    "So to the Iraqi people, let me be clear about America’s intentions," he said. "The United States pursues no claim on your territory or your resources. We respect your sovereignty and the tremendous sacrifices you have made for your country. We seek a full transition to Iraqi responsibility for the security of your country."

    Obama said, "Every nation and every group must know — whether you wish America good or ill — that the end of the war in Iraq will enable a new era of American leadership and engagement in the Middle East. And that era has just begun."

    He later drew his biggest applause when he said that under his new proposed budget, he would raise military pay and would forge a new 21st century GI Bill to help them realize their dreams.

    And he vowed that as long as he is commander in chief, "I will only send you into harm’s way when it is absolutely necessary, and provide you with the equipment and support you need to get the job done."

    Before announcing his troop-withdrawal plan, Obama placed a call to former president George W. Bush, who started the war that Obama so vehemently opposed.

    White House officials did not elaborate on the call, which Obama placed from a holding room at Camp Lejeune just moments before he gave his speech. Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said Obama made the call "as a courtesy" to the former president.

    Earlier in the day, aboard Air Force One, Obama called another interested party, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The Iraqi prime minister had already declared that he was unconcerned about the troop withdrawals.

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    Branigin reported from Washington. Staff writer Karen DeYoung contributed to this article.