A transition in Iraq, not an exit

PRESIDENT Obama's praise for the million men and women in uniform who served in Iraq was as appropriate as his restraint in labeling the departure of U.S. combat troops a victory.

During his speech from a redecorated Oval Office, and in remarks earlier in the day at Fort Bliss Army Base, he avoided any political instinct for self-congratulation, or, in his words, "a victory lap."

The operative word is indeed transition. Some 50,000 U.S. troops remain in the country, along with 79,000 contractors. One suspects the reduction in combat troops was achieved in part by changing the job description of those who remained behind.

The president's oratory throughout the day made it clear that America's role and presence in Iraq was far from over, even with a 2011 deadline to remove all U.S. military.

Training and assistance for Iraqi security forces continues. So will counterterrorism operations. All put American forces in harms way, the difference is they will now be joint operations.

Obama met a self-imposed deadline for removing U.S. combat troops, but U.S. taxpayers will be paying to build fortified compounds for American diplomats throughout the country, with 7,000 private security guards. For all of the inherent optimism of the president's remarks, the nation remains bound to the fortunes of Iraq.

Democracy was restored, but formation of a civilian government is stalled. Peace prevails to the degree that old political and religious rivalries can resume and flourish.

Debate swirls in U.S. political circles about the role of a belated troop surge in making progress, which Obama gave a nod. Military historians may eventually conclude the occupation force was finally sized right for its task. A senior Army general lost his job early on for suggesting the number of troops necessary was much larger than initially deployed.

Ultimately the power of enlightened self-interest will be recognized. The Anbar Awakening revealed the power of local forces — Sunnis who changed from attacking the U.S. to taking on al-Qaida — to take back neighborhoods and towns.

Obama should enjoy the moment, because it represents not an end in Iraq, but a segue to Afghanistan and a shifting of resources and expectations.

Nice speech, Mr. President, but what have you done for us lately?