Obama: Combat Brigades Home From Iraq In 18 Months

President Barack Obama made the announcement in a speech to military troops and officers at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He said his administration will "proceed cautiously" on the withdrawal and that U.S. commanders will bring it about in close consultation with the Iraqi government.

By: Associated Press | News Channel 7
Published: February 27, 2009

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (AP) - President Barack Obama says he'll withdraw America's combat brigades from Iraq over the next 18 months.
He made the announcement in a speech to military troops and officers at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He said his administration will "proceed cautiously" on the withdrawal and that U.S. commanders will bring it about in close consultation with the Iraqi government.
During his campaign for the presidency, Obama had advocated pulling troops out within 16 months of taking office. The timeline he announced Friday, involving roughly 100,000 troops, was two months longer. It still hastens the U.S. exit, nevertheless.
Obama also said that between 35,000 and 50,000 troops will initially remain there to help train Iraqi forces and undertake counter-terrorism missions.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after President Obama announced his plans for withdrawal of United States combat forces from Iraq.
“Any decision made regarding the size and nature of our forces in Iraq or any theater of combat must be made deliberately and cautiously. It must be a strategic determination with the safety of our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines as our primary responsibility.
“I appreciate that President Obama has signaled his willingness to revisit his strategy if conditions on the ground change. This will help ensure that our troops are protected and the hard fought gains we have seen are not lost.
“It is thanks to the tremendous courage and professionalism of our military and their leadership – including General David Petraeus and General Ray Odierno – that we have an opportunity to begin bringing our troops home with success. Our generation and future generations will be forever in their debt for having sacrificed so much for our freedom.”