Iraq

News

1. George W. Bush Library Opens to Public

   Wed, 1 May 2013

   000 visitors a year are expected. The museum includes exhibits on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq , Hurricane Katrina, the Florida recount and other historical events. There is also a replica of the Oval Office
2. George W. Bush Library Opens to Public

   Wed, 1 May 2013

   000 visitors a year are expected. The museum includes exhibits on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq , Hurricane Katrina, the Florida recount and other historical events. There is also a replica of the Oval Office
3. George W. Bush Library Opens to Public

   Wed, 1 May 2013

   000 visitors a year are expected. The museum includes exhibits on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq , Hurricane Katrina, the Florida recount and other historical events. There is also a replica of the Oval Office
4. Syrian President Showing Renewed Confidence

   Wed, 1 May 2013

   that the momentum in the civil war is shifting in their favor areas. In recent weeks, his troops have made advances, pushing which closely monitors the civil war , said the number of defections passage to jihadis to enter Iraq to fight U.S. forces extremists' role in the civil war has raised alarm among Syrians
5. AP Interview: Sunni Iraq Official Criticizes Force

   Wed, 1 May 2013

   protest camp in Iraq last week said miles) north of Baghdad , sparked a wave violence across Iraq that has killed serious threat to Iraq 's stability last American troops left in December the upswing in Iraq , raising concerns state of civil war . Many from Iraq 's Sunni minority committee set up by Iraq 's prime minister investigators that Iraqi troops opened fire after To lose one soldier , or one officer al-Qaida and Saddam Hussein 's outlawed Shiite-dominated Baghdad suburb of Husseiniya
6. 
   Mexico Cheers on Immigration Reform From the Sidelines

   Wed, 1 May 2013

   frustrated both Bush and Fox, and the two leaders grew apart . Farnsworth said that Mexico's lack of support for the Iraq War served as the main wedge between Bush and Fox. But the immigration issue also played a role in that, especially as Fox
7. AP's John Daniszewski Named to Pulitzer Board

   Wed, 1 May 2013

   in 1996 for the Los Angeles Times, serving as bureau chief in Cairo, Moscow and London, and remaining in Baghdad during the Iraq war to cover the U.S. invasion. He returned to AP as international editor in 2006 and was named a managing editor

Videos

1. 
   Sept. 22, 1980: Iran-Iraq War Begins

   Wed, 9 Jun 2010

   Khomeini has called on the Iraqi Army to desert and overthrow Iraq 's president Saddam Hussein . A military communique Iranian shores are declared war zones. Iran will not Following the first Iraqi the year Ronnie and air reportedly struck at two Iraqi targets. Both sides they're navy sank four Iraqi gun boats in the fight to control Iraq 's only sealing the elements to the Iran Iraq rivalry which give rise to other states. In Baghdad president Saddam Hussein specialist on the region. The Iraqis would define victory restless want economy. Look to Iraq to support their demands

   Iraq found at 0:04, 3:45

   In Iran tonight frank the Ayatollah Khomeini has called on the Iraqi Army to desert and overthrow Iraq's president Saddam Hussein . A military communique on Tehran radio said tonight. But all waterways near the Iranian shores are declared war zones. Iran will not the communique said allow any merchant ships to carry cargo to Iraqi ports. -- -- escalation came after Iraqi planes earlier today struck deep inside Iranian territory. With the details of that and even more fighting tonight Iran London ABC's Bob -- Xerox Soviet equipped air forces reportedly raided deep into Iran for the second time in twelve hours striking at five -- -- and military bases and too early warning radar stations. The latest Iraqi attack is said to have been staged after nightfall and was aimed at blacked out targets earlier today Iraqi warplanes hit at least nine Iranian air bases from to -- to the gulf. Including Merrill -- airport on the outskirts of Tehran. In Tehran tonight president Bonnie -- reclaimed the Iraqi attacks were backed by the United States government in an attempt to destroy Romania's Islamic republic. Following the first Iraqi -- the year Ronnie and air force reportedly struck at two Iraqi targets. Both sides of issued conflicting casualty and damage claims resulting from the air action and both sides insist their land forces are making headway. In their un declared border war offshore -- Ronnie and say they're navy sank four Iraqi gun boats in the fight to control Iraq's only sealing the -- -- our Rob Walker way. So far neither side -- try to destroy the others rich oilfields and

   are no Americans spare parts or maintenance expertise. Most military analysts believe Iraq . Which has been pressing Iran all along its common border has a decisive edge Iraq is largely supplied with its military equipment by the Soviet Union. In Iran and Iraq on the battlefield and beyond minority problems inflame the situation. Iranians for the most part are -- Iraqis are Arabs. The majority of Iraq's Muslims are of the same -- -- Ayatollah Khomeini. The ruling power is in the hands of another -- it -- Khomeini whose revolution could be contagious. In Iran. In -- is found to be specific scene of the most serious trouble now. One million Iranians are ethnic Arabs this is Iran's oil -- the Arabs are restless want economy. Look to Iraq to support their demands. Iraqis support helps to keep Iran's central government we. It's a golden opportunity to destabilize. The Ayatollah Khomeini. Other Arabs in the region are not I'm happy to see the Ayatollah under stress but at the same time they don't like arguments about territorial change. -- in the region tonight there are a number of Arab efforts underway to mediate the crisis. This issue. This is buried on a full scale war between Iraq and Iran would have far reaching and efficient. And a secretary -- spoke to the United Nations today with Soviet foreign minister Gromyko looking on. The implication that most disturbed observers with the possibility that the superpowers could get dragged in. The Soviets have a friendship treaty with Iraq . But relations between Baghdad and Moscow have become -- in recent years for example Iraq condemned the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan . A principal American concern is that the Soviets might send troops into Iran under the pretense of helping the Ayatollah. For its part the US has very little leverage with either side -- of course has no relations with -- honest and because of American support for Israel from the Camp David peace treaty. The US has no clothes at all with the Iraq . Which is one of camp -- most definitely don't -- -- New York's secretary must be told reporters that the US was seriously concerned about the new situation. And campaigning in California today President Carter added that the US did not plan to take sides. Good take. Position and it's critical that Iran or Iraq stepped into the -- Through the United Nations and through. Two. In the conflict and to minimize and let him. In the past Iran has threatened that if it was attacked by Iraq that the American hostages but somehow they are you worried about that. I've always been concerned about the hostages but not not
2. 
   Will Polls See Voter Response to Iraq War ?

   Fri, 27 Oct 2006

   Situation in Iraq October has been the deadliest month. This year for US troops the spike in deaths has factor behind. Rising anti war sentiments in this country reporter on the ground in Baghdad about what things are really like to see reported some Iraq and more of the truth of we're able to get around Baghdad a bit If we go outside safe but for the rest of Iraq we're pretty much restricted hard. To talk to ordinary Iraqis because when with American has been spent already in Iraq and by the Department of military is a 140000. US troops here it's expensive to them. But the average Iraqi would like to see this this Sunni Shiite civil war . With more ground troops

   Iraqis found at 2:06, 3:54, 7:50

   are really dangerous for us to travel we're able to get around Baghdad a bit -- -- If we go outside Baghdad we usually have to go with the military. We can fly to the north Kurdistan is is relatively safe but for the rest of Iraq we're pretty much restricted. And to going with the military on embeds and of course that makes it very hard. To talk to ordinary Iraqis because when -- with American soldiers there -- an automatic distance with the local population. And that man ask and some other

   Country to what one might think watching our reports on TV most Iraqis do not support the insurgency most Iraqis just want to live in peace in this country now. It's a very difficult time -- a lot of sectarian pressures on them. But the average Iraqi would like to see this over they don't want to see people killed. And they would like to see the American troops leave when the country is is peaceful again. Okay Terry next we -- to go to a question from a Yahoo! viewer there's actually an email. From a viewer name tag -- line who ask can the US halt this Sunni Shiite civil war . With more ground troops obviously -- we're hearing a lot about that what the answer might be some generals retired general saying. He brought in 40000 more troops may be a clamp down on this what about that. I think the simple -- about -- from our perspective here is no. And I think a lot of the American military commanders here in Baghdad . Would say no they cannot halt the sectarian conflict what they say they do is trying calm it down enough to give the leaders on both sides in Iraq . Time to talk to each other and trying to negotiate some reconciliation time which would stop the sectarian violence but. We're talking about even just in Baghdad five million people we have 151000 US troops there is no way they can stop. The two Sunni and Shia communities attacking each other if they want to fight. -- a reminder once again there are no easy answers here's another question I told -- we got several about the financial cost of the war here's another one. Hi my name is Gary in -- Easton Pennsylvania. And my question is I've heard dad do you the monthly bill and for the Iraq -- eight billion dollars -- month. And I like to know what that money is going towards wide success -- bill in -- What are the costs that are affiliated that. In some ways -- already answered this question and that is just simple security is an incredible cost what are some of the other cost that. Perhaps were unexpected here. Well I think by this stage of the war the US did not expect to have so many troops here. And -- can spread out so far across the country now. Again going back to that insecurity on the -- it's

   crew to physically get out there and talk to the every -- Iraqi . Not surprisingly we got a lot of questions of -- that what do those people think here's a couple people curious about the public opinion there. I would like to see more information. And let. People in the country thing in Iraq -- More coverage from their point of view -- has. It would be a little bit more concerned with the public opinion of the Iraqi civilians -- -- -- be more concerned with the let the government. There is actually doing for the Iraqi People by the goes the rather special interest groups. The one thing then -- would be -- CC is. His visit is how they and they are getting on analyze because. Impression analysts that I get. Is that there's just a lot of war all the time and they must be families that are trying to get on without. You know getting on in spite of the way -- And Terry I suppose you share a lot of those same thoughts have a lot of those same questions the fact is it's -- difficult difficult security wise to get out there and get answers. It is run do we do get a lot of information we have a lot of local stop here who are able to tell us what's going on their name with him we do get out now -- again. We are and let's talk to Iraqis on. They announced today at the bit bigger question is Iraqi People are having a terrible life right now it's extremely hard to do anything that would. Normally be regarded as every -- life in any other country. A lot of the richer Iraqis anyone who's got any money is literally trying to get out the country there's enormous. Emigration of Iraqis to Syria to Jordan. People who stay here they have tremendous difficulties in their everyday life that's. It's even difficult to go
3. 
   President Obama: End to Iraq War By Year's End

   Fri, 21 Oct 2011

   American troops will leave Iraq by the end of this year been negotiating with the Iraqis who wanted US troops to diplomatic. Our presence in Iraq US troops will be gone political pressure obviously in Iraq they could not given immunity would our combat mission in Iraq . And remove all of our to our combat mission in Iraq . And today we've removed more than 100000 troops . Iraqis have taken full responsibility Hours ago I spoke of Iraqi prime minister I reaffirmed determination. Of the Iraqi People to forge their own report that as the rest our troops in Iraq will come home by the end nine years. America's war in Iraq . Will be over

   War in Iraq found at 1:59, 6:11, 8:19

   come to the White House briefing room. To announce that all American troops will leave Iraq by the end of this year remember. That war began in March 2003. At its peak. 170000. American troops are serving in Iraq over the course of these last eight years there have been 4482. American Dad!. 32002. And thirteen American wounded. In the time in Iraq since those true for percent in March 2000 reality that it Jake Tapper. At the White House briefing room broke the news this morning that all American troops would be coming on how this decision -- Well President Obama and others and his administration had been negotiating with the Iraqis who wanted US troops to stay. But they would not give immunity to this US troops -- talks broke down. And President Obama made the decision He would abide by this status of forces agreement. A negotiated by the Bush Administration to have a complete withdrawal all US troops to zero. By the end of this year they are saying it's going to be a very diplomatic a very robust diplomatic. Our presence in Iraq US troops will be gone for filling one of the president's key campaign promises as a candidate -- Okay let me bring in Martha -- very quickly she's been to Iraq more than twenty times Martha -- all -- troops get out I didn't see their 39000 there now. Yet that they can definitely get out they were planning -- -- although many in the military really did want to keep a number of troops there to continue training the Iraqis this could be a real problem. With just six medevac the air force the Iraqis are ready in many ways but they're gonna do -- on -- around. And there's tremendous political pressure obviously in Iraq they could not given immunity that American. Negotiators want -- here's the president right now. Good afternoon -- but it. As a candidate. For president. -- pledged to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. For the sake of our national security and the strength of American leadership. Around the world. After taking office I announced a new strategy that would -- our combat mission in Iraq And remove all of our troops by the end of 2011. As commander in chief ensuring the success of the strategy has been one of my highest national security prior orders. Last year I announced the end to our combat mission in Iraq And today we've removed more than 100000 troops Iraqis have taken full responsibility for their country's security. A few. Hours ago I spoke -- of Iraqi prime minister -- I reaffirmed that the United States keeps its commitments. He spoke of the determination. Of the Iraqi People to forge their own future. We are in full agreement about how to move -- So today I can report that as -- the rest our troops in Iraq will come home by the end of the year. After nearly nine years. America's war in Iraq Will be over. Over the next two months our troops in Iraq Tens of thousands of them will pack up their -- And worked on boards for the journey home. The last American soldier it will -- cross the border. Out of Iraq What -- held heads held high proud of their success. And knowing that the American people stand united. In our support for our troops That is -- America's military efforts in Iraq -- and but even as we mark this important milestone we're also moving into a new face in the relationship between the United States and Iraq As of January 1 and keeping whether -- strategic framework agreement with a -- It will be a normal relationship between sovereign

   partnership. What -- diplomats and civilian advisors in the lead. Will help Iraqis strengthen institutions that are just representative and accountable. We'll build new ties of trade and commerce culture and education that unleash the potential. The Iraqi People. -- partner within Iraq that contributes to regional security and peace just as we insist that other nations respect Iraq's sovereignty. As I told prime minister market. We will continue discussions on how we might help Iraq train and equip its forces. Again just as we -- for training and assistance to countries around the world. After all there will be some difficult days ahead for Iraq And the United States will continue to have an interest in rock that a stable. Secure and self reliant. Just it's Iraqis have persevered through war I'm confident that they can build a future worthy of their history as the cradle simple inflation. Here at home. The coming months will be another season of home -- Across America our servicemen and women will be reunited with the -- Today I can say that our troops in Iraq We'll definitely. Be home for the holidays. This December will be a time to reflect on all that we've been through in this war All join the American people and paying tribute to the more than one million Americans. Who have served in Iraq There are many wounded warriors and the nearly 4500. American patriots. And -- Iraqi and coalition partners. Who gave their lives to this -- Finally I would note that the end of war in Iraq reflects a larger transition. The talk of war is -- The draw down in Iraq allowed -- to refocus our fight against al-Qaeda and achieve. Major victories against its leadership including Osama bin lot. Now even as we remove our last troops from Iraq were beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan Where we've begun a transition to Afghan security. In leadership. When I took office roughly 180000. Troops were deployed and both these wars. And by the end of this year that number will be cut in half. And make no mistake will continue to go down. Meanwhile yesterday marked the definitive end of the Gadhafi regime in Libya. And their troops -- military played a critical role in shaping. A situation on the ground in which the -- people can build their own future. Today NATO is working to bring this successful mission to a close. So to sum up. The United States is moving forward position of strength. The long war in Iraq will come to an end by the end of this year. The transition. In Afghanistan is moving forward. And our troops Are finally coming home. If they do fewer deployments and more time training will help keep our military. The very best in

   Creating opportunity and jobs. In this country. Because after a decade of war the nation that we need to build the nation that we will -- is our. America that sees its economic strength restored. Just as we've restored -- leadership problem. Thank you -- Obama announcing a major milestone on the war in Iraq nearly nine years after it began will and by the end. Of this year more than a million Americans served in Iraq I want to talk to Martha Raddatz first. -- you service that you work was -- the military who served in Iraq in this war became so unpopular. Did they see -- as the success of the president said it was today. I think the military sees that his success certainly because they went through the worst of times -- -- the president talking about the season of homecoming. But these men and women who have served there over and over and over I know so many people who have done. 3457. Deployments have missed so many holidays so for those who have served in Iraq this is indeed. A huge moment a moment that they now. They will be go home be going home to their families now the president did talk about Afghanistan to -- -- drive down there. That will take many many more years George that's not until the end of 2014. When the combat troops are supposed to be. Handing over their duties to the after the city Afghans so that will be many more years that Iraq indeed there are a lot of happy families. A lot of happy. Military service. That would Begin in Afghanistan you know -- Jake Tapper right now at the white as Jake the president decides where the top of his remarks this was a promise kept. And you could argue He became president because of his early opposition to this war in Iraq That's right from the very early on calling of the Warner -- -- dumb war President Obama. Was able to distinguish himself from his campaign rivals in the 20072008. Democratic primaries. Hillary Clinton John Edwards at -- By saying that He never would have voted. To go to war in Iraq is a war He opposed from the beginning that's how He caught the attention of so many Iowa Liberal Democrats and that's why his campaign. Caught fire early on so this is the true fulfillment of 1 of his central campaign promises to. And Christiane on them for the president talking about a new stage and in normal relationship. With Iraq this for some more than twenty years. But we're still vying for influence there with one of our chief adversaries in this chief adversaries in Iraq that's right -- authorities say this is good news for Iran this is going to beef -- the Shiite government that. And is going to compromise the Sunni minority in Iraq But you know Maliki the prime minister figured out wanted the troops to say He could not get a vote through his on and He knows that the job is not over this this is. Not yet the stable country and we should not pretend that it is it's great for the US forces coming home of course -- -- -- -- so many years of war But this is not yet stable and even in Afghanistan My sources are telling me that the president may talk about an even more accelerated withdrawal from Afghanistan As well and by no means is the war -- that yet -- -- stability board that. -- be -- looking at being able to do attacks from the -- the drones this kind of new military method that's been employed so well and not having so many boots on the ground. -- the president said difficult days ahead but a major announcement today from President Obama after nearly nine years the war in Iraq will end. By the end of this year we want to review again. What what kind of commitment Americans and made their more than a million served. Almost 5000 Americans died. In this war since 2003. More than 32000. Americans have been -- of course -- great economic cost as well so investments of more than a trillion dollars. And I want to go back to Martha Raddatz now. Martha this war as you emphasize the fact -- so many. In our military had to serve again and again and again the military was stretched very thin by this war Stretched very thin especially in those very very dark years about 2006. In the beginning of 2007 before President Bush -- -- surge forces. I it was very iffy at that time really what direction this war would go and President Bush send in those surge troops I'm Dave Petraeus was sent in there and there really was a turnaround. This is one of those missions that I think when their military first went -- and realize how bad things war They just realized it was up to -- they had to take the initiative to change the course to try to do
4. 
   Hillary Clinton on Heallth Care, Iraq War

   Sun, 23 Sep 2007

   Presence in Iraq to returned to al-Qaeda in Iraq we have to the Arabs in Iraq and and protect withdrawing from Iraq because the Iraqi Government pledge that all US troops will be home will the chaos in Iraq have in terms pushed al-Qaeda in Iraq out of their want to end the war in Iraq . I want to do responsibly with the withdrawal of our troops also with the there. And the Iraqis who have cited vote for the Iraq . War resolution was

   War in Iraq found at 12:07, 17:54, 19:14

   those limited missions you're still talking about. Anywhere from forty to 75000. Troops for many years. Well I don't think that's accurate I I'm not going to be speculating about troop strength I've said that that. The day I'm elected president I will be asking my secretary of defense my national security advisors the joint chiefs. To brief me about what actually the state -- planning is because we're haven't. Some difficulty really understanding what they're doing over in the Pentagon under the White House's direction. And then we will Begin to withdraw our troops but it has to be -- as I said in a responsible careful manner. We don't know what we're going to inherit. None of us do we don't know what's going to be done in the last fifteen months of the bush Cheney administration. Obviously as president I will have to take all of that into account and you know try to make the very best decisions I have but there is no doubt in my mind we're going to be withdrawing from Iraq because the Iraqi Government. Has not fulfilled its part of the bargain which was to make the top political decisions and frankly that. Bush Administration hasn't fulfilled its diplomatic. Responsibilities either so all of this has to be pulled to -- I hope it happens in the next fifteen months but if it doesn't it will happen immediately upon my beacon -- and. Can you pledge that all US troops will be home over the course of your first term as president. You know I'm not gonna get into hypotheticals and make pledges because I don't know what I'm going to inherit George I don't know and and neither do any of us know. What will be the situation in the region how much more aggressive will -- Ron have become. What will be happening in the Middle East how much more of an influence will the chaos in Iraq have in terms of what's going on in the greater region. Will we have pushed al-Qaeda in Iraq out of their strongholds with our. Our new partnership. With some of the tribal sheiks or will they have regrouped and -- I don't know and I think it's. You know not appropriate to be speculating I can tell you -- general principles and my goal I want to end the war in Iraq I want to do so carefully responsibly with the withdrawal of our troops also with the withdrawal of a lot of our civilian. Employees the contractors who -- there. And the Iraqis who have cited what -- we have a huge humanitarian refugee crisis on our hands we have. You know millions of Iraqis have been displaced some internally some -- to other countries. The problems we're going to face because of the failed policies and the poor decision making of this administration -- Are rather extraordinary and difficult and I don't want to speculate about how we're going to be approaching it until I actually. Have the facts in my hand and that. Authority to be able to make. Some decision let me ask you question about your past votes you set you set on several occasions that you vote for the Iraq War resolution was not a vote for war but was intended to demonstrate their support for going. The United Nations but as you know a lot of -- -- democratic colleagues disagree they thought it was a vote for war and senator Levin. Offered an alternative resolution that would required. The present to go to the United Nations and come back to

   focused on figure out how we canned try to help end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home. Because I think that this election as a real turning point election we've got to. Have a -- debate in this

   a debate about an -- this is -- debate about ending the war in Iraq You know as usual I think the Republicans because they continue to support the failed policy of this president. Are looking for
5. 
   'Operation New Dawn' Begins in Iraq

   Thu, 19 Aug 2010

   half years of war in Iraq . As we first reported 50000. American troops are still on the ground Raddatz has covered the Iraq War from the start. thousands they rolled through Iraq 's desert isle. Jubilant soldiers We're driving out of Iraq were leaving it was So many of these troops and others have made Troops have been killed in Iraq nearly 32000. Wounded influx of forces in Iraq this surge things that happen. The war is by no means over advising and assisting Iraqi forces meaning that and. But it is the Iraqis who will take the

   War in Iraq found at 0:02

   Watershed after seven and a half years of war in Iraq As we first reported last night the last US combat brigade has left the country ushering in with the Pentagon calls operation new dawn. 50000. American troops are still on the ground but in -- new role with new challenges. Martha Raddatz has covered the Iraq War from the start. -- -- thousands they rolled through Iraq's desert isle. Jubilant soldiers from the fourth Stryker Brigade second infantry division. Heading for Kuwait. Heading for home. We're driving out of Iraq were leaving it was the last time -- -- Barack. Never backed. So many of these troops and others have made multiple trips to a rock we have been with them through these nearly eight years. And we see
6. 
   Bush Seeks American Support for Iraq War

   Sun, 21 Jan 2007

   forces launched Operation Iraqi Freedom to remove Saddam Today the world is rid of Saddam Hussein . In a tyrant has been Nearly twelve million Iraqis have voted in free elections At this point in the war . Our most important mission is helping the Iraqis . Secure their capital. Until Baghdad 's citizens feel secure He will be difficult for Iraqis to make further progress rebuilding. Steps necessary for Iraq to build a democratic society continuing to train the Iraqi Security Forces. So that more work to be done. In Iraq 's leaders must continue

   Iraq found at 1:29

   Good morning. Four years ago today. Coalition forces launched Operation Iraqi Freedom to remove Saddam Hussein from power. They did so to eliminate the threat his regime posed in the Middle East. And to the world. Coalition forces carried out that mission with great courage and skill. Today the world is rid of Saddam Hussein . In a tyrant has been held to account for his crimes by his own people. Nearly twelve million Iraqis have voted in free elections. Under a constant democratic constitution that they wrote for themselves. And their democratic leaders are now working to build a free society that upholds the rule of law. That respects the rights of its people. It provides them security. And as an ally. In the war on terror. At this point in the war . Our most important mission is helping the Iraqis . Secure their capital. Until Baghdad's citizens feel secure in their own homes and neighborhoods. He will be difficult for Iraqis to make further progress toward political reconciliation. Or economic rebuilding. Steps necessary for Iraq to build a democratic society. So with our help Iraq's government is carrying out an aggressive plan. To secure Baghdad . And were continuing to train the Iraqi Security Forces. So that they ultimately. Take full responsibility for the security of their own people. I -- receive an update on the situation from Iraqi prime minister -- -- My conversation with the prime minister followed a briefing earlier this morning that included Secretary Rice and Secretary Gates. Along with General Petraeus and ambassador Collins. Who participated by video conference from Iraq . Prime minister Maliki and General Petraeus. Emphasize that the Baghdad security plan is still in its early stages. And success will take months. Not days or weeks. Yet those on the ground are seeing some hopeful signs. The Iraqi Government is completed the deployment of three Iraqi Army brigades. To the capital. Where they join the seven. Iraqi Army brigades and nine national police brigades that were already in the area. Iraqi Government is also lifted restrictions that once prevented. Iraqi and coalition forces from going into areas like Center City. American and Iraqi forces have established joint security stations. -- stations are. Scattered throughout Baghdad . And they're helping Iraqis reclaim their neighborhoods from the terrorists and extremists. Together we've carried out aggressive operations against both. Shia and Sunni extremists. Carry out operations against al-Qaeda terrorists. We've uncovered large caches of weapons and destroyed two major. Car bomb factories. That were located on the outskirts of Baghdad . Want to stress that this operation. Is still in the early stages still in the beginning stages. Fewer than half of the troop reinforcements we are sending. Have arrived in Baghdad . The new strategy will need need more time to take effect. And there will be good days. And there will be bad days. Ahead as it as security plan unfolds. As we help the Iraqis secure their capital. Their leaders are also beginning to meet the benchmarks they have laid out for political reconciliation. Last month Iraq's council of ministers approved a law that would share oil revenues among Iraqi People. Iraqi legislature passed a 41 billion dollar budget that includes ten billion dollars for reconstruction. And capital improvements. In last week prime minister Maliki. Visit ramadi. A city in the Sunni heartland. To reach out to local Sunni tribal leaders. There's been good progress. There's a lot more work to be done. In Iraq's leaders must continue to work to meet the benchmarks they have set forward. As Iraqis worked to keep their commitments we have important commitments of our own. Members of congress are now considering an emergency war spending bill. They have a responsibility. To ensure that this bill provides the funds. And the flexibility. That our troops need to accomplish their mission. They have a responsibility to pass a clean bill. That does not use funding for our troops as leverage to get special interest spending for their districts. And they every responsibility get this bill to my desk without strings. And without delay. It can be tempting to look at the challenges in Iraq . And conclude our best option is to pack up and go home. It may be satisfying in the short run. But I believe the consequences for American security would be devastating. American forces were to step back from Baghdad . Before it is more secure a contagion of violence could spill out across the entire country. Time this violence could engulf the region. The terrorists could emerge from the chaos -- -- safe haven in Iraq to replace the one they had an Afghanistan . Which they used to plan the attacks of September the eleventh 2001. The safety of the American people. We cannot allow this to happen. Prevailing in Iraq it's not going to be easy. General Petraeus says that the environment Iraq is the most challenging that he is seen in his more than. 32 years of service. It also says that he's been impressed by the professionalism. In the skill and determination of our men and women in uniform. He -- -- our troops quote a true will to win. And a sincere desire to help our Iraqi partners achieve success off. Four years after this war began the fight is difficult. But -- can't be one. Who will be -- we have the courage. And resolve to see
7. 
   Iraq War : 10 Years Later

   Wed, 20 Mar 2013

   tonight that the US invaded Iraq . Among the reporters who went in with the US troops was ABC's Bob Woodruff and the progress of that war . By the numbers. When US troops rolled into Iraq and march 20 2003. Few could women. More than 100000 Iraqis were killed. All of it came with campaign posters for Iraq 's upcoming elections. Change in Iraq is undeniable. After the the war a couple thousand Iraqis could access the Internet suicide bombers once bloodied Baghdad streets shopping and commerce

   Iraq found at 0:53

   It was ten years ago tonight that the US invaded Iraq . Among the reporters who went in with the US troops was ABC's Bob Woodruff and tonight he takes account of the hole and the progress of that war . By the numbers. When US troops rolled into Iraq and march 20 2003. Few could imagine this sacrifice it would require. Whether one point five million Americans would serve. Of those killed 4378. Men 110 women. More than 100000 Iraqis were killed. All of it came with a 728. Billion dollar price tag there will likely reach into the trillions when you add the cost of caring for our injured veterans. In the square where Saddam statue was toppled. Not much has changed the pedestal stands empty. Other sites once guarded by US troops are decorated with campaign posters for Iraq's upcoming elections. Change in Iraq is undeniable. After the invasion unemployment was as high as 50%. Now it's below fifteen before the war a couple thousand Iraqis could access the Internet now there -- more than two million Iraqis on line. There are 21 million cellphones in -- -- -- from zero before the war . And in the very spot where suicide bombers once bloodied Baghdad streets shopping and commerce has returned. But just today a reminder that the violence is never far 65 dead and more than 200 wounded in a series of attacks. For Iraqis war still wages on. A decade later.