At midnight, the US-Iraq security pact took effect. Officially the Iraqi government now has control of the U.S. “Green Zone,” a symbol of US intervention in that nation. The Associated Press reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he would propose Jan. 1 as a national holiday to commemorate what he called “Sovereignty Day.” However, US troops will continue to occupy the area for the next 90 days.
In the Washington Post, Sgt. 1st Class Patrick McDonald had this to say:
This is the end of the world as we know it…It’s not like everyone is shredding documents and fleeing Saigon. But we are stepping away from a building.
In addition, the US military has also handed back to the Iraqis control of Baghdad airport although the adjacent US military base, Camp Victory, will remain a key US military headquarters.
We’re cutting and running! No retreat! Blah blah blah
This is a very important milestone. Hopefully the exit process will be smooth and free of political bickering.