We haven't heard much about Iraq these days, since most attention has been focused on frenetic domestic policy legislation and volatile events in Iran.  Today, the Iraqi people and our brave troops reached another milestone in the evolution of post-Saddam Iraq. 

Our troops have withdrawn from all urban bases and now are based further out in rural areas.  Some military trainers will remain in the cities.  Pres. Obama ought to praise our valiant troops and the Iraqi people for their labor and sacrifices in reducing violence and striving for reconciliation at all levels. 

Iraqis celebrated their first National Sovereignty Day with joy, but also with some trepidation.  Most Iraqis are happy that they have a more democratic governing system, as well as trained and experienced armed forces, border patrol, and police.  However, many Iraqis wonder whether or not the Shia dominated security apparatus has the capability to protect them from AQI and a variety of potential Shia-Sunni conflicts. 

Indeed, over the past six years, every political and security transition point has generated spikes in violent clashes, and time will tell if recent homicide bombings will continue, or fizzle out.  Our troops won't be too far away just in case the Iraqi military needs assistance and expertise.  Hopefully, Iraqis are ready to assume greater responsibility for their future progress and stability, and will strive hard to prevent a resurgence of violence, or a regression into anarchy.

The next benchmark for our military exit strategy involves the withdrawal of all American combat troops by August 31st, 2010.  Following that, Pres. Obama and the Pentagon plan to withdraw all of our troops from Iraq by Dec. 31st, 2011.  Ready or not, it's likely that these timelines will be followed, but these dates could be delayed or sped up depending upon the situation on the ground.

Lastly, this is for all those critics of Operation Iraqi Freedom who called it a "war of choice," and "an unpopular war."  Try telling that to over 25 million Iraqis who have been liberated from the torture chambers and mass graves that existed under Saddam Hussein and his ruthless enforcers.  Let's hope that each timeline in Iraq will bring greater liberty, peace, and progress to this long-suffering nation.