Last U.S. combat troops leave Iraq

American commanders announced that the overall American mission in Iraq is complete. The announcement comes 12 days earlier than expected. In September, the U.S. plans to begin "Operation New Dawn," a strategy that will see a transfer of power from the United States to Iraq. Critics say that the pullout is premature and that Iraq’s dysfunctional government and ill-prepared army will be unable to assume control. 56,000 U.S. forces remain in Iraq, 6,000 more are scheduled to leave before September 1, and the rest will be phased out gradually between September and December 31, 2011.

Guardian