War+In+Iraq--MEL08

The issue being debated at this point is the war in Iraq. We support Obama's plans and decisions for the matter...
 * Since the war began more than 1,000 American troops have died.
 * The Iraq war has lasted longer than World War I, World War II, and the Civil War.
 * The United States spent $2.7 trillion on this war and its aftermath, yet we are less safe around the globe and more seprated here.
 * In Iraq and Afghanistan more than 1.75 million servicemen and women have served and more than 620,000 troops have fulfilled many deployments.
 * The decision to invade Iraq diverted resources from the war in Afghanistan, making it harder for us to kill or capture Osama Bin Laden and others involved in the 9/11 attacks.

When you put all these facts together, it seems that we have lost more than we have gained. We lost money, troops, resources and missions to capture threatening terrorists; like Osama Bin Laden, and the al Qaeda. Bush sent these troops in, in hope of eliminating bomb threats and making it safer in Iraq. We have been in Iraq since 2003, and planned on staying for only a short amount of time. We have been there for 5 years, and that's enough.

1.Under the Obama-Biden plan, some force will remain in Iraq and in the region to target counter-terrorism missions against al Qaeda in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan; to protect the American people. 2.Gradually reduce number of soldiers in Iraq. And he will give his Secretary of Defense and military commaders a misson of ending the war.
 * He will provide at least $2 billion to expand services to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries, and ensure that Iraqis inside their own country can find sanctuary.
 * Obama and Biden will also work with Iraqi authorities and the international community to hold the perpetrators of potential war crimes, crimes against humanity; accountable.
 * They will not build permanent bases in Iraq, but will continue to train and support the Iraqi security forces as long as Iraqi leaders move toward political reconciliation and away from sectarianism.(Excessive devotion)
 * Less will be injured.
 * Military experts believe we can safely transfer combat brigades from Iraq at a pace of 1 to 2 brigades a month. That would remove them in 16 months; that would be the summer of 2010.
 * The removal of troops will be responsible and directed by military commanders and done with consultation of the Iraqi government.