Today the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq changed from a combat mission under Operation Iraqi Freedom to a stability operations mission now referred to as Operation New Dawn. In addition, General Lloyd Austin assumed command of United States Forces-Iraq from General Ray Odierno. President Obama addressed the nation on Tuesday evening where he praised U.S. troops for their service and vowed that the progress earned in Iraq would not be squandered. ISW has created a new map of Iraq which illustrates the locations of the six remaining Advise and Assist Brigades and where they will be headquartered.
Despite this important milestone, many questions remain: How will AQI (Al Qaeda in Iraq) and Shi’a militia groups seek to destabilize Iraq after U.S. troops draw down? Will government formation continue to stalemate? What will the U.S. and Iraqi relationship look like after 2011?
ISW President Dr. Kimberly Kagan, deputy director Marisa Cochrane Sullivan, and ISW contributor James Danly discussed the future of the American experience in Iraq after the August 31st deadline and mission in a conference call here.
You can also see ISW’s Deputy Director Marisa Cochrane Sullivan and Ret. General James Dubik discussing the Iraq drawdown on CNN and the Diane Rehm Show respectively. Furthermore, additional information can be found on our latest Fact Sheet: The Iraq Drawdown and a two new graphics which show the levels of defense spending by Iraqis and foreign military sales.
As the drawdown begins in Iraq, General David Petraeus is busy implementing ISAF’s counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan. ISW’s latest Afghanistan - Order of Battle has all the details on the action in the region.
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Very respectfully,
Ian Galloway
Communications, ISW
