COULDN'T WE HAVE WAITED 5 DAYS?:

Fireworks over Baghdad as Iraqis take over (The National, June 30. 2009)

Iraqi forces assumed formal control of Baghdad and other cities today after American troops handed over security in urban areas in a defining step toward ending the US combat role in the country.

A countdown clock broadcast on Iraqi TV ticked to zero as the Monday midnight deadline passed for US combat troops to finish their pullback to bases outside cities.

Should have done it on the 4th of July.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 30, 2009 6:58 AM