Critics decry Obama's plan to withdraw from Iraq

— -- For a nation weary of wars and a troubled economy, President Obama's announcement that U.S. troops will be out of Iraq by the end of the year promises an end to a costly conflict that began with the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Obama's decision, announced Friday, brought a sharp reaction from critics who say it is a retreat that opens the door for Iran to re-establish influence over its neighbor.

Frederick Kagan, a military historian at the American Enterprise Institute who advised President George W. Bush to create a troop surge in the Iraq War, blasted Obama for what he said was a decision "to abandon America's interests in Iraq and damage our position in the Middle East."

"This retreat will have great costs for the United States," Kagan said. "How can we claim to be taking a firm line against Iran while giving Tehran the single most important demand it has pursued for years — the complete withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq?"

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who lost the 2008 election to Obama, called the withdrawal "a serious mistake."

"I'm very, very concerned about increased Iranian influence in Iraq," McCain said on ABC's This Week.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., a supporter of the war, said withdrawal is a failure that "puts at greater risk all that so many Americans and Iraqis fought, sacrificed and … gave their lives to achieve."

Lieberman called the withdrawal plan "profoundly disappointing" and said U.S. military leaders have told him that at least 10,000 American troops should remain in Iraq to maintain stability and defend the gains that cost nearly 4,500 U.S. troops their lives.

In his announcement Obama noted that more than 100,000 U.S. troops have already exited Iraq. He said Iraq has taken "full responsibility" for its own security.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton warned Iran not to misread the move as an opening to meddle in Iraq.

In a series of news show interviews, she said a U.S. training mission with Iraq would continue and American presence in the region would remain strong.

"No one should miscalculate America's resolve and commitment to helping support the Iraqi democracy," she said. "We have paid too high a price to give the Iraqis this chance. And I hope that Iran and no one else miscalculates that."

Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., a leader among House Democrats, said Obama was "following through on his promise to bring the war in Iraq to an honorable end."

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said he was concerned full withdrawal "will place the stability and security of Iraq at risk and jeopardize the gains U.S. and coalition forces have made."