Barack 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