Obama: U.S. On Track for 2011 Iraq Pullout

Cites ‘substantial progress’ after meeting with Iraqi prime minister

President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki make joint statements during a press availability, Wednesday, July 22, 2009, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (Photo credit: Ron Edmonds / AP)

July 22, 2009

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said Wednesday the United States will stick to its schedule and remove all its troops from Iraq by the end of 2011 even though there will be “tough days ahead.”

Standing in the Rose Garden alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Obama said the two nations were in the midst of a “full transition” that would be based on mutual interest and respect. …

Obama said the United States does not seek any military bases in Iraq and makes no claim on Iraqi oil resources or territory. …

It was Obama’s first meeting with al-Maliki at the White House. They met in Iraq in April. …

Full story

FROM THE ARCHIVES: One Year Ago Today — July 23, 2008

On the Campaign Trail: Day Nine

One year ago today, on the ninth day of my 2008 campaign against U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District, I issued my national security position statement, specifically as it relates to the war in Iraq (see “Issues” tab at the top of the page).

Patrick Immelman, 2, of Sartell runs through a field of crosses during a Memorial Day ceremony at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center, May 26, 2008. (Photo credit: Paul Middlestaedt, St. Cloud Times)