The Iraqi conflict which started in 2003 has been going in now for eight years. Thousands of Americans and Iraqis have lost their lives. Some have life time injuries. Millions of dollars have been spent, infrastructure destroyed, and many parents are left heartbroken because of an unpopular war.

During the Bush Administration, it was decided that all US military presence would leave Iraq by Decenber 31, 2011. The date is fast approaching and it looks as if the Iraqi withdrawal date may be postponed. President Bush was somewhat in opposition to a set timeline when he made that decision,and thought that this would only have materialised if there were improvement in the security of Iraq.

In October, 2008 there was a security pack discussed and agreed upon by both countries which also reiterated the decision of ending the U S involvement in Iraq by 2011. President Obama and the politicians of the Democratic Party said during the presidential campaign of 2008 that they wanted all US troops in Iraq to return to the US by the middle of 2010. That was the date that President Malaki had initially decided. No one knew at that time that the Iraqi withdrawal date may be postponed..

Taking all things into consideration there is a likelihood that the planned withdrawal in 2011 is not possible. Perhaps there might be a draw down from the present number of the 47,000 force there, but not a total withdrawal. America still has many contractors there and they have to be buttressed in order to maintain security and keep the intelligence apparatus is in place, which is so needed in a time like now.

There are several concerns that are needed to be addressed, and as a result of this, Iraqi withdrawal may be postponed- (i)the Iraqi troops might not have the expertise to successfully deal with the intelligence they might garner, (2)the Iraqis would need well trained engineers and mechanics for the maintenance and replacement of their machines in their transportation system, (3) Iraq does not have a strong air force of its own to protect its national air space, taking into consideration the kinds of neighbors it has and the experience of its army, (4) the country needs to continue on its path to complete democracy (5) many Iraqis are peeved over the presence of U S troops but there are spots of insurgency that could lead to violence, and (6) how can America leave so much equipment behind and close all its bases only to meet the deadline of December, 2011

This war was regarded in many quarters as a war of choice, but President Obama now has the challenge of how to exit and when to exit. All indications are that the Iraqi withdrawal date may be postponed beyond December, 2011 At present the Iraqi administrators are supportive of the continued presence of U S troops, but for certain there would be opposition to this in Iraq and other places There is a growing feeling that the U S will make the wise decision. in consenting with the Iraqi government in prolonging the stay of U S troops. Although the US has not totally come out of its economic crisis and the country is cutting back on its spending, this issue needs serious united political decision. What is the use of obtaining the success in Iraq and then withdrawing with the uncertainty of the stability of that country? However, a total Iraqi withdrawal is in the offing, but December, 2011 is too soon.