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    December 17, 2011

Obama Honors Troops Returning From Iraq

   VOA News

   U.S. President Barack Obama called the American mission in Iraq an
   "extraordinary achievement" that sets an example for how Americans
   should work together to solve the country's domestic issues.
   During his weekly address Saturday, Obama expressed his gratitude to
   the 1.5 million Americans who have served and the 4,500 who lost their
   lives. American troops are packing up and handing over security
   responsibilities to Iraqi forces ahead of a December 31 deadline for
   the U.S. withdrawal.

   IFRAME: [1]http://www.youtube.com/embed/tLROudTL_0E

   The president used his address to pressure Congress to overcome
   partisan differences, saying veterans deserve for their country to meet
   its responsibilities, just as they did in Iraq. Obama said, "Now it's
   time to meet ours - especially those of us who you sent to serve in
   Washington. This cannot be a country where division and discord stand
   in the way of our progress."
   The Obama administration and congressional Republicans have fiercely
   debated how to handle domestic issues including the U.S. government
   budget, the weak American economy and the high U.S. unemployment rate.
   His comments come as the Senate prepares to vote Saturday on funding
   that will determine whether the U.S. government will avert a partial
   government shutdown.
   Obama said the U.S. should turn to its veterans who are "armed with the
   skills, discipline, and leadership" to help the country overcomes its
   challenges.
   "This is a moment where we must come together to ensure that every
   American has the chance to work for a decent living, own their own
   home, send their kids to college, and secure a decent retirement,"
   Obama added.
   When the U.S. closes out its nine-year war in Iraq at the end of the
   month, only some Americans will remain - working mainly in the U.S.
   embassy or with a detail of private security contractors.
   Senator Jon Barrasso used the Republican address to thank the troops
   and to press for an oil pipeline project with Canada.

   IFRAME: [2]http://www.youtube.com/embed/DmVeJIktVOQ

   Barrasso says the pipeline will create jobs for returning troops and
   reduce America's dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

References

   1. http://www.youtube.com/embed/tLROudTL_0E
   2. http://www.youtube.com/embed/DmVeJIktVOQ

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