Iraq mission

In discussing the formal end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq Tuesday from the Oval Office, President Barack Obama spoke of "turning the page" on the mission, something that Americans would like to do.

The president was able to say that he had made good on his pledge to wind down the war. "That is what we have done. We have removed nearly 100,000 U.S. troops from Iraq," he declared.

In February 2009, shortly after taking office, the president charged military commanders to conclude the U.S. combat role. Due to the success of the 2007 troop surge and the superb job by U.S. troops, America's military role there can change to advising, training and equipping Iraqi forces.

No one knows what the future holds in Iraq, but the U.S. and coalition effort has given the country a chance to progress and prosper. Saddam Hussein and his regime are no more. They have been replaced by a democratic government, however flawed.

Iraq is now a U.S. ally and Iraqis have the opportunity to secure their country and govern themselves. The Baghdad government needs to unify in purpose. Iraq's ethnic and religious strife must lessen considerably if Iraq as a nation is to survive.

The United States and its allies have done much and will continue to help Iraq. But as President Obama noted in his speech, Americans are concerned about the U.S. economy and job opportunities in their own country.

The Afghan war now commands our attention. But America must always remember and honor the 4,400 Americans who have been killed in Iraq and the 30,000 who were wounded there. Some 1 million Americans have answered their country's call to serve in the Iraq theater.

Many are still serving, though the mission has changed. Iraqi leaders should step up the pace to secure and govern their country.