Obama spells out Iraq pullout plans

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Finish line for U.S. presence

President Barack Obama announced here yesterday that he'll withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010. But his plans to leave as many as 50,000 U.S. troops there through 2011 made many Democrats in Congress angry, while Republicans cheered.

It was an ironic reception for a new commander-in-chief whose presidential campaign was built initially on his early opposition to the Iraq war and his promise to end it if elected.

In a speech to Marines at this base in North Carolina, Obama said he will pull out all remaining troops by the end of 2011, launching "a new era of American leadership and engagement in the Middle East."

His plan calls for withdrawing most of the 142,000 service members now in Iraq by the end of August next year, leaving 35,000 to 50,000 in place until Dec. 31, 2011, when all U.S. forces must be out of Iraq in accordance with a status-of-forces agreement negotiated last year between the Iraqi government and the Bush administration. Obama said yesterday that he intends to honor that agreement.

Numerous Democrats criticized the plan.

"I am deeply troubled by the suggestion that a force of 50,000 troops could remain in Iraq," said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif. "This is unacceptable."

"I question whether such a large force is needed to combat any al-Qaida affiliates in Iraq or whether it will contribute to stability in the region," said Sen. Russell D. Feingold, D-Wis.

The Republican whom Obama defeated in November lauded the plan. "We are finally on a path to success. Let us have no crisis of confidence now," Sen. John McCain of Arizona said.

McCain said he agrees with Obama that the U.S. should keep up to 50,000 troops in Iraq after the combat troops leave, following the recommendation of U.S. military commander. He worries, however, about pressure on Obama from Democrats urging a faster withdrawal.

"I worry . . . about statements made by a number of our colleagues indicating that, for reasons wholly apart from the requirement to secure our aims in Iraq, we should aim at a troop presence much lower," McCain said. "The administration should . . . not succumb to pressures, political or otherwise, to make deeper or faster cuts in our force levels."

The Republican leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives -- Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rep. John A. Boehner of Ohio -- also issued statements praising Obama's Iraq policy.

Obama said that thanks to the sacrifices of American troops, "the situation in Iraq has improved," violence has been reduced, and the group, al-Qaida 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."

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."

En route to Camp Lejeune, Obama called Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and then former President George W. Bush to tell each personally about his timetable.