All US troops out of Iraq by end of August
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U.S. President Barack Obama said Wednesday in his first State of the Union address that he is to have all of U.S. combat troops out of Iraq by the end of this August.
Obama said he promised to end the unpopular war as a presidential candidate in 2008, and that is what he is doing as president.
"We will have all of our combat troops out of Iraq by the end of this August ... make no mistake, this war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home," he said.
He also promised to support the Iraqi government as Iraqis hold crucial parliamentary elections in March. He said the administration will continue to partner with Iraqis to "promote regional peace and prosperity."
As the war in Iraq is winding down, Obama said the United States is increasing troop level in Afghanistan and training of Afghan Security Forces so they can begin to take the lead in July of 2011, so that U.S. troops can begin to come home that time.
He acknowledged that "there will be difficult days ahead," and the United States will help "reward good governance, reduce corruption" in Afghanistan.
He said an international meeting on Afghanistan will take place Thursday in London, during which allies and partners will come together to reaffirm their commitment.
