U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq: The End of Their Combatant Role

After almost 8 years in combat against the Islamic forces of Iraq, Al-Qaeda based in Iraq, Baath Party loyalists and other insurgents, the U.S. armed forces are now ready to give up their combatant role in Iraq. U.S. Commander Ray Odierno stated that Iraq is now ready and capable to run its own government and take internal and external affairs into its own hand. Iraqi people have also taken the challenge in pursuing a stronger government to rule the oil-rich nation.

It was in March 30, 2003 when the first military operations began in Iraq. The world witnessed one of the most systematic, most sophisticated and most advanced aerial bombardments ever done. One of the main highlights of the war was the fall of Baghdad the capital city and the capture of Saddam Hussein. Hussein would eventually be executed because of massive list of crimes he committed against the Iraqi people. But just as the U.S. thought that the war will end, insurgents resulted to unconventional tactics such as roadside and suicide bombing.

It is horrifying to note that at least 1 allied serviceman died in Iraq each week. It is estimated that over 4 thousand U.S. forces have lost their lives in Iraq. There were also international debates with regards to the validity and reasonability of the invasion. According to various surveys, about 82-87% of the Iraqi population opposed the U.S. occupation and with 53% saying that the Iraqi government is better strengthened without the presence of U.S. forces.

It is no doubt that the U.S. has spent a more money in this war compared to the GDP’s of other nations. It has been reported that the U.S. alone has spent $845 billion including foreign aid to Iraq. The total cost of the war will most likely reach $3 trillion. Considering the internal problems such as economic recession and unemployment that the American nation is facing, it is very welcoming to hear that the U.S. has finally decided to end the war and leave the responsibilities to the Iraqi people.

The insurgency will only grow stronger as long as the U.S. forces stayed in Iraq. With the departure of the U.S. forces, Iraqi’s now take full responsibility on taking care of their nation. General Odierno emphasized that it is very important to establish a stable government as fears of civil war might arise. But he further mentioned that he believes the Iraqis are now willing and capable of running their own country. With this, the U.S. will now only function as an adviser role and give full authority to Iraqi politicians. This will not only save a huge amount of American taxpayer’s money but also save the life every American military serviceman.