Iraq: Mission accomplished?

Some say we've finally achieved our goals in Iraq—even if the war's opponents won't admit it

Is peace finally a possibility in Iraq?
(Image credit: Corbis)

The Obama administration has decided to change the name of the U.S. mission in Iraq from "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to "Operation New Dawn," beginning in September. The new designation will coincide with the withdrawal of the last U.S. combat troops, signaling the completion of America's original mission and the beginning of a new relationship with the country's elected leadership, said Defense Secretary Robert Gates. After years of deadly and costly twists and turns, can America truly declare "mission accomplished" in Iraq? (Watch a Fox discussion about the war in Iraq)

Yes, it's time for the war's opponents to admit they were wrong: "I understand" that some people never approved of this war, says David Bellavia, a veteran of the war, in his blog. But we prevailed in a fight they said we couldn't win. Out of respect for the soldiers whose sacrifices made victory possible, the least the critics could do now is "acknowledge what was won on the ground in Iraq."

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