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As the US Withdraws Troops from Iraq, What Are We Leaving Behind?
Barack Obama is making good on President Bush's promise to withdraw US troops from Iraq by the end of this year. But there's bitter controversy how the withdrawal...
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenBarack Obama is making good on George W. Bush's promise to withdraw US troops from Iraq by the end of this year. But there's bitter controversy how the withdrawal will happen, how much of the US presence will remain and whether Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is presiding over a new democracy or another dictatorship. Also, the US economy sees slow but steady growth, and Occupy tries the patience of local officials.
Banner image: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki speaks during a press conference at the green zone area in Baghdad, Iraq. Photo by Muhannad Fala'ah /Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesUS Economy Sees Slow but Steady Growth
Despite volatility in the financial markets and the potential collapse of Europe, US economic growth this year has been far from spectacular, but it has been steady: less than one percent in the first quarter, 1.3 percent in the second, and 2.5 percent between July and September. Neil Irwin is financial reporter for the Washington Post .
Read the story7 minAs the US Withdraws Troops from Iraq, What Are We Leaving Behind?
George W. Bush began the latest war in Iraq, and agreement to end it by the end of this year was reached in his second term. President Obama was against the war from the start. This week, when he declared that "after nearly nine years, America's war in Iraq will be over," he did not say, "Mission accomplished."
Read the story35 minCities Losing Patience with Occupy Protesters
It began as Occupy Wall Street and spread to other American cities. In Lower Manhattan, the Occupy movement defeated an effort to move protesters out of Zuccotti Park, and it's not yet succumbed to the beginning of winter.
Read the story8 min
