Iraqis welcome withdrawal of US troops

Iraq turns another page in its recent history today as US forces hand over to their Iraqi counterparts in towns and cities.

Just one of many ceremonies: a US general in charge of Baghdad handed over a giant symbolic key to the Defence Ministry to his Iraqi opposite number.

There are lingering doubts the Iraqi armed forces will be able to maintain law and order as they stand on their own for the first time.

Nevertheless, it’s a time for general celebration that the occupation of foreign forces is at last coming to an end.

On the Tigris River in Baghdad much national pride was evident.

Well known Iraqi singers serenaded fans with patriotic songs, as Iraq enters a new era mixed with much hope that peace will ultimately return to a land which has seen so much bloodshed.

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tags: Iraq War, USA