U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Iraq - June 30, 2009

This sign has been displayed by pacifists around the world for the past six years. 

Today marks the official withdrawal  of U.S. combat troops from Iraq.

Unfortunately the following news was received:

BAGHDAD – Four U.S. soldiers were killed in combat shortly before the American military completed a withdrawal from Iraq's cities, and the prime minister assured Iraqis that government forces taking control of urban areas on Tuesday were more than capable of protecting the country.

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Today's tally - 4,323 U. S. troops have been killed in the Iraq War.

1,320,110 Iraqis have been killed.

318 Other Coalition Troops killed.

138 Journalists killed.

and 1,306 Civilian Contractors were killed. 

A resident walks past an Iraqi tank and soldiers in Baghdad's Bayaa district, June 30, 2009. U.S. combat troops left the last of Iraq's cities on Tuesday, restoring to the country a proud sense of sovereignty that many applauded even though some fear it may leave them more vulnerable to attacks. REUTERS/Stringer 

Fact file on security in Iraq. Iraqi forces prepared to take control of towns and cities nationwide as American troops finally withdrew in a milestone for the country's recovery six years after the US-led invasion. (AFP/null)

The top US general has declared Iraqi troops "ready" to take over as US combat troops pull out from Iraq's cities and main towns on Tuesday, marking what will be a major stepping stone for the war-torn country. 

US soldiers prepare to mount their Skyper armoured vehicles as they head out from the Warhorse base in the northeastern Iraqi town of Baquba. Iraqi forces prepared to take control of towns and cities nationwide as American troops finally withdrew in a milestone for the country's recovery six years after the US-led invasion.

Iraqi soldiers hold up their national flag as they parade in the ground of the old Iraqi Defence Ministry, the last of the 86 positions occupied by the US military in Baghdad, on June 29. Iraqi forces take control of towns and cities across the country to replace departing US forces. (AFP/Ali)

Iraqis celebrate in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, June 29, 2009. U.S. troops will be out of Iraqi cities by tomorrow Tuesday June 30 in the first step toward winding down the American war effort by the end of 2011   (al-Saadi)

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We pray that the Iraqi people will now be able to begin their healing process and also give thanks that the U.S. troops are, at last,  winding down  from the American war effort.

The final withdrawal, by the  end of 2011,  is still two and a half  years away - 

but 'just for today' I am glad.