Defcon3 7/7/09

" This is their country back -- and I'm KT McFarland. American troops have begun the first phase of withdrawing from Iraq and under the US Iraqi status of forces agreement. Will be completely out by the end of 2000. The Iraq War has been giant roller coaster. We executed -- quickly -- their brutal dictator and matter of days. Saddam Hussein was coming down try to change. Yet no sooner had President Bush declared mission accomplished. And the insurgency began. Our occupation turned into a disaster mismanagement. And sections. Of the kind to Sunni insurgents and Shiite militias. Al-Qaeda gain a foothold and -- to -- a lot of its population. Rapidly. In spite of calls for immediate withdrawal President Bush doubled down with the search. Replace -- military leaders increased her troops strength and change. It was a huge gamble but it won't -- of the greatest turnarounds. In recent military history. As a result -- leaving Iraq with their heads out. Not with her tail between our legs were leaving behind an Iraqi Government that despite -- shortcomings. Have a decent chance of success. We're turning security over to Iraqi Army that is multi ethnic and finally able to stand sound. An enormous problems remain in Iraq but they -- think for the Iraqis self. They still have to sort out who gets what of their oil well they have to share between Shiites Sunnis records. They have to maintain order -- insurgencies from sprouting out and firefighters Manning. I have to hold their neighbors today. Only time will tell if Iraqis succeed it'll -- they have a chance good. To become the first self sustaining democracy in the heart and the Arab Muslim world. The war against radical Islam is far from over an essential battle has just been one. The roller coaster ride mine that be finished -- car. But we're getting off the train. That's step country -- and KT McFarland."