A pullout of US combat troops serving in Iraq by the end of August next year. That is the date announced by the US president in a speech at a military base in North Carolina.

Beyond that a force of up to 50,000 will remain to train and equip Iraqi forces. They will also protect reconstruction teams and international staff. But the aim is to withdraw all US forces by the end of 2011. Obama said: “We can not police Iraq’s streets indefinately until they are completlely safe. Nor can we stay until Iraq’s union is perfect. We can not sustain indefinately a commitment that has put a strain on our military and will cost the American people nearly a trillion dollars. I intend to remove all US troops from Iraq by the end of 2011.” He added: “As long as I’m your Commander-in-Chief I promise you that I’ll only send you in harms way when it’s absolutely necessary and provide you with the equipment and support you need to get the job done.” Obama also announced that regional security talks will be launched and they would include Syria and Iran. During the election campaign, Obama promised to reduce the US presence in Iraq and boost troop numbers in Afghanistan instead.More about: Iraq War

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