Fearing the future, few Iraqis cheer U.S. departure

U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, left, walks with Gen. Ray Odierno, right, after he arrived, in Baghdad on Monday. Photo: VARUN.

 

 

As Vice President Joe Biden presides over the formal end to U.S. combat operations in Iraq, few Iraqis are cheering the American exit.

Iraqis, who for years have railed against the U.S. occupation, are generally happy to see that the American presence won’t be endless. But there is also considerable trepidation about whether Iraq can go it alone.

“It’s not the right time,” said Johaina Mohammed, a 40—year—old teacher from Baghdad. “There is no government, the security is deteriorating, and there is no trust.”

Just under 50,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, down from a peak of nearly 170,000 at the height of the military surge in 2007. Those troops will be focused on training and assisting the Iraqi military, and will no longer be allowed to go on combat missions unless requested and accompanied by Iraqi forces.

Underscoring the shift, Mr. Biden was making a new appeal to Iraqi leaders Tuesday, including Prime Minister Nouri al—Maliki, to end the political deadlock and seat a new government. The March 7 parliamentary elections left Iraq without a clear winner, and insurgents have since exploited the uncertainty to hammer Iraqi security forces.

Iraqi forces are vastly improved and attacks have plummeted since the dark days of 2006 and 2007. But rarely a day goes by without some loss of life, and spectacular attacks such as the violence on Wednesday that killed 56 people still happen with disturbing regularity.

Mr. Biden and U.S. officials have downplayed suggestions they are abandoning Iraq at a crucial time. The vice—president on Tuesday said militants’ attempts to again wreck havoc in Iraq have been unsuccessful.

“Notwithstanding what the national press says about increased violence, the truth is, things are still very much different, things are much safer,” Mr. Biden said in comments to Mr. al—Maliki before the two met privately.

But many Iraqis do not share his optimism.