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Vice President Joe Biden participated in a change of command ceremony as part of the last phase in the U.S. military handover to the Iraqi military, which is being called “Operation New Dawn." During the ceremony, the vice president said the transfer of authority from Defense to the State Department symbolizes a "different chapter in the relationship with Iraq." General Raymond Odierno has been replaced by Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin as the U.S.-led combat mission switch to a diplomatic approach.
Washington, DC
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Ceremony: Earlier Today
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In his speech from the Oval Office, President Obama announced the end of combat operations in Iraq. He spoke about the significance of the transition, challenges that would remain for Iraqi and U.S. security & the nature of the new U.S. commitments to Iraq. The President also praised the military personnel who had both served and died during the war. His statements were followed by his announcement of the final date for complete troop withdrawal in 2010. Also in the speech, the mention of the toll taken on Iraqi civilians and the role of the continued military and diplomatic missions in the country.
Fort Bliss
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Pres. Obama Address
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President Obama met with troops at Fort Bliss, Texas to mark the official end of combat operations in Iraq. Following this gathering, the President met with troops who are deploying to begin a tour in Iraq under the new advise and assist mission.
Fort Bliss, TX
: 10 min.
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Pres. Obama at Fort Bliss
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Christopher Hill returned from Iraq recently after a 16-month stint as the U.S. Ambassador to that nation. He discussed the future of Iraq once the U.S. combat mission officially draws to a close at the end of this month. The U.S. Institute of Peace hosted the event.
Washington, DC
: 1 hr. 33 min.
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Amb. Hill Remarks on Iraq
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