Finally, as US troops withdraw from Iraqi cities* we learn how influential George W. Bush was in bringing together people of vastly different ideologies. From this morning’s Associated Press piece on the withdrawal:
“All of us are happy – Shi’ites, Sunnis, and Kurds – on this day,’’ Waleed al-Bahadili said as he celebrated at the park. “The Americans harmed and insulted us too much.’’
* Of course, “withdrawal” is used loosely here. From the same article:
Despite today’s formal pullback, some US troops will remain in the cities to train and advise Iraqi forces. US forces will return to the cities only if asked. The US military will continue combat operations in rural areas and near the border, but only with the Iraqi government’s permission.
I saw stories about fireworks and celebrations in Iraq as our soldiers left the cities. After all the blood, sweat, tears and treasure, the Iraqi Army was greeted as liberators. Thanks George.