President Obama delivers Address on Iraq August 31st.
Texas Insider Report: Washington D.C. Vice President Joe Biden has arrived in Iraq to participate in a Change of Command and Change of Mission Ceremony fulfilling the commitment made by the President in his first month in office. This is the Vice Presidents sixth trip to Iraq since January 2009.
The United States ends its combat mission in Iraq on August 31
st having drawn down to fewer than 50000 troops from approximately 144000 troops in January 2009.
The remaining troops will advise and assist Iraqs security forces conduct partnered counter-terrorism operations and protect U.S. civilians.
In accordance with an agreement between the U.S. and Iraqi governments all U.S.
forces will leave Iraq by December 31 2011.
President Obama will deliver a National Address on Iraq on August 31
st.
The Vice Presidents visit at this juncture will reinforce the long-term U.S. commitment to Iraq. The Vice President will meet with:
- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani
- Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi
- Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi
- Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki
- leader of the Iraqiyya coalition Ayad Allawi
- Chairman of the Islamic Supreme Council Ammar al-Hakim and
- other political leaders
The White announced his topics will include the latest developments in Iraq and to urge Iraqi leaders to conclude negotiations on the formation of a new government.
