WASHINGTON D.C. - President Barack Obama declared combat operations in Iraq are over.
"Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the page," said the President in his nationally televised address Tuesday evening.
He also spoke about the challenge in nation's other war, Afghanistan.
"We will disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists. And because of our drawdown in Iraq, we are now able to apply the resources necessary to go on offense," said Pres. Obama.
The President thanked the 1 million troops who have served in Iraq.
"At every turn, America's men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve. As Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of their service. Like all Americans, I am awed by their sacrifice, and by the sacrifices of their families."
The President heralded the end of combat as a campaign promise kept, but as a senator in 2007, he opposed President Bush's troop surge.
"I don't doubt his sincerity when he says this is the best approach, but I think he is wrong," said Obama on the campaign trail.
But today, Pres. Obama called former Pres. Bush, who made the decision to surge troops into Iraq.
Neither side would say what they discussed, but the republican leader of the senate blasted Obama for taking credit.
"You might recall that the surge wasn't very popular when it was announced. You might also recall that one of its biggest critics was the current president," said Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
The president's focus on Iraq comes at a time when the major concern by far for most Americans is the struggling economy, not foreign policy: but the benchmark in Iraq does give Mr. Obama a notch on his belt.
"Foreign policy moments allow the President to step forward and full fill his role, be presidential and show he's the commander - and that's good for a president who's having a tough time," said CBS political analyst, John Dickerson.
Not once did Pres. Obama mention Fort Bliss or his visit in his address.
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