Why is Obama leaving 50,000 troops in Iraq?
Number of troops left in Iraq after Aug '10 throws into doubt the withdrawal itself

Gareth Porter says Obama's speech at Camp Lejeaune, which was supposed to explain the Presidents' plan to end the war in Iraq is "not doing what it said it's doing." Porter says the speech creates the, "rationale for a longer term U.S. engagement in Iraq." Responding to Obama pledging a residual force of 35,000-50,000 non-combat troops, Porter says that, "they are combat troops to a great extent... What we're really talking about is what has been referred to as a "rapid reaction force," says Porter, explaining it will consist of, "one, maybe two or more combat brigade teams."

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