Biden visits Iraq as combat mission ends

[babylonsister]

Biden visits Iraq as combat mission ends
By Jordan Fabian - 08/30/10 11:09 AM ET


Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Baghdad on Monday to lead a ceremony marking the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq.

The White House said Biden will meet with Iraqi elected officials to discuss the political stalemate there and "to urge Iraqi leaders to conclude negotiations on the formation of a new government."

Biden's visit comes one day before President Obama is scheduled to deliver a prime-time Oval Office address about the end of the combat mission. Earlier in the day, he will speak to troops at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The Oval Office address comes on the heels of a major withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from the country, about seven-and-a-half years after former President George W. Bush began the war. Fewer than 50,000 troops are now in Iraq and will remain through next summer to assist with training and support operations.

The president had set an Aug. 31 deadline to draw down troop levels and end Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/116357-biden-visits-iraq-as-combat-mission-draws-to-close