Obama: Operation Iraqi Freedom ends

Tuesday night, President Obama addressed the nation to announce the end of the United States' combat mission in Iraq. The address was broadcast live from the Oval Office — the same desk where President Bush announced the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom more than seven years ago. In the address, Obama maintained a somber yet hopeful demeanor.

"I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans," he said. "We've now been through nearly a decade of war.

We've endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of these storms the future that we're trying to build for our nation — a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity — may seem beyond our reach."

Obama reminded the nation of the many hardships the nation has faced since the war began. Obama said, too, he is "incredibly proud" of the service and sacrifice of the men and women in the armed forces and of their families. He listed their accomplishments in Iraq, from bringing down the regime of Saddam Hussein to protecting the Iraqi people and to fighting terrorist insurgents.

"So tonight," he said, "I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country."

Obama said that the ending of combat operations was part of the fulfillment of his campaign promise to end the war in Iraq. In February, Obama announced a plan to bring all combat brigades home. Since he took office, nearly 100,000 troops have been brought home from Iraq.

Although the combat brigades have all returned home, 50,000 troops will remain in Iraq for purposes of securing the country as it forms a new government.

Obama affirmed that as Iraq moves forward, it will have a strong friend in the United States.

At times, Obama took a positive tone in pointing out the successes of the war in Iraq. "We've persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people, a belief that, out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibilities."

Obama also surprised some political spectators with warm comments directed at President Bush. Obama, who opposed the Iraq war from the beginning and consistently disagreed with Bush on his handling of the Iraq war, said he spoke to the former President earlier that day.

"It's a well-known fact that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset," Obama said. "Yet no one can doubt President Bush's support for our troops or his love of country and commitment to our security.

"As I've said, there were patriots who supported this war and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women and our hopes for Iraqis' future."