Two Brigades of Combat Troops in Iraq coming home

Sec of Defense Rumsfeld on his visit to Iraq anounced this good news.

On his surprise visit to Iraq US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has announced the United States' withdrawel of two combat brigades (totaling between 5,000 and 9,000 soldiers) from the country by next spring....."The adjustments being announced are the recognition of the Iraqi people's progress in assuming added responsibility for their country," Rumsfeld said speaking of the withdrawal. "We anticipate future coalition force-level discussions at some point in 2006, after the new Iraqi government is in place and is prepared to discuss the future," he added.

This is good news that should serve the President well. The draw down shows that the Iraqi's are gaining control of their country. It will take some time to make the change, but this is a start. I believe we have a long way to go and it will take a few years to completely get out of Iraq. I also agree with Rumsfeld that it wont be easy:

"Let me be very clear: The challenges ahead, military, political, economic, will not be easy. The United States as all you know did not come to Iraq for oil, not to occupy. We came here only to help,"

With the turn out of voters on the last election and the recent polls in Iraq showing good progress, there is no doubt democracy is being born. It is amazing to watch.

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