Iraq Marks Withdrawal of U.S. Troops From Cities

New York Times by Alissa J. Rubin | Jul. 1, 2009 (News Report)

BAGHDAD — Iraq celebrated the withdrawal of American troops from its cities with parades, fireworks and a national holiday on Tuesday as the prime minister trumpeted the country’s sovereignty from American occupation to a wary public. Full Story »

Posted by Judy Plapinger

See All Reviews »

View

4.1

by Manfred Ostrowski - Jul. 2, 2009

For a rather short overview of the situation in Iraq, it is what one can expect in a major newspaper like the NYT. The picture which dominates the article is revealing. I think the article quite accurately defines the two sides which have emerged in Iraq, and it states concerns that there might not be that much to celebrate at this point.

I expect violence in Iraq to continue, and I am not sure its democracy will survive for very long once the U.S. stop to interfere. I fear the rights and the autonomy of the Kurds are both still in danger, and there could grow more violence against Kurd and Shiite neighbourhoods. I think the Iraq war was a big mistake of the Bush administration, and it is not much president Obama can do now to improve the current situation.