America Hands Iraq the Key to the City

Today was either, “the first Wednesday since Michael Jackson died day” or “Iraq National Sovereignty Day,” depending on which TV channel you were watching. In a flash between Jackson segments I did see American General Ray Odierno presenting the keys of the city to an Iraqi (left).

the U.S. Military was indeed pulled out of Iraqi cities, where they have been stationed since 2003. Jon Stewart Reports.

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I tried to find more information about this event, since the Daily Show used footage from CNN, I thought it would be easy to find the story there. I had to click through 3 pages before I found the story.

CNN.com July 1st

CNN.com/US

Finally on CNN.com/world see it there?

Either way, I gave up on CNN and just went to CBS, the top story was about how Michael Jackson was not the father of his kids… oboy…

Anyway, a site search found this article.

Prime Minister Maliki’s grand parade could only be viewed in person by fellow members of his government and a handful of selected guests. No one else was allowed past the heavy security.

America’s top general in Iraq, Raymond Odierno, was there to lend U.S. support. Some of his soldiers weren’t allowed to carry their guns into the ceremony, turned back by Iraqi troops – a sign of how much the power has shifted.

“I think sometimes you have to give up some tactical risk for strategic gain and I think this is the case,” Gen. Odierno said. “There might be still some little bit of tactical risk in some place but I believe it is well worth it for the strategic gain.”

The strategic gain could easily be seen today – excitement on the streets of Baghdad as Iraqi forces took charge, U.S. troops nowhere in sight.

Who has a problem with this strategic moment. Dick Cheney, speaking on old time radio, to conservatives, he complains and criticizes.

The that June 2009 pullout was a benchmark set by his administration, a fact caught by Jon Stewart and presented below.
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Anyway, Iraq moving forward is sure to be an interesting story I am glad the American Media is on the case, in the meantime stay tuned to MSNBC for more of the news headlines of what you need to know.

• CBS News – Celebration, Carnage Mark Handover in Iraq
• CNN News -Iraqis cheer — and fear — U.S. pullout from cities
• AP via YouTube – Gen. Odierno touts ’significant’ Day in Iraq
• ABC News – Cheney Worried by Americas Pull back in Iraq
• The Daily Show – The Departing – June 30 2009