Lessons learned from Cambodia should be useful for the US mission in Iraq

US mission in Iraq is far from accomplished

Monday, September 6, 2010
The Nation (Thailand)/Asia News Network

BANGKOK -- The good news this week was that U.S. combat troops have finally pulled out of Iraq. It is indeed a welcome indication that the war is dying down. But there is no guarantee that there will not be any further American casualties; after all, 50,000 U.S. soldiers are still stationed there for keeping order and fighting if necessary.

For the past seven and a half years, the U.S. has carried out the almost impossible task of trying to restore peace to the country. The U.S. has paid a very high price, with at least 4,400 of its soldiers killed, many wounded and hundreds of billions of dollars spent. The toll has been far greater on the Iraqi people.

Now, with the U.S. troops pulling out, U.S. President Barack Obama has been allowed some space to speak of the American “contribution” and the “courage and resolve” of those who died. It has also enabled him to speak of peace and the long-term future for Iraq.

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