During the course of his successful campaign for president, Barack Obama committed to a conditional withdrawal from Iraq by summer 2010, but assured skeptics that this was a flexible date subject to conditions on the ground.  Experts argue that the withdrawal may take longer than Obama anticipates, and a residual force may be necessary to continue training Iraqi forces.  Obama's first decisive policy statement on his withdrawal statement was made in a speech to the troops at Camp Lejeune on the morning of February 27, 2009.

The policy seeks to drastically reduce America's involvement in the Iraq war, removing her troops from harm's way and reducing continued expenditures on combat operations.  The withdrawal and continued involvement of the United States through non-combat operations seek to foster an Iraq that is “sovereign, stable and self-reliant.”  In short, it outlines the beginning details of the American withdrawal and sketches a continuing commitment of the United States to Iraq.

1.Withdrawal of US combat forces: Obama plans to withdrawal US troops from Iraq over an 18 month timetable.  By August 31, 2010, combat operations in Iraq will end.  The troops that remain will number between 35,000 and 50,000.  Their mandate will be limited to ensuring that the Iraqi Security Forces are trained and equipped, performing counterterrorism operations, and protecting immediate civilian and military interests on the ground in Iraq.  Consistent with the most recent Iraq Status of Forces Agreement between the US and the Iraqi federal government, Obama pledged to remove all US forces from Iraq by the end of 2011. 

2. Foster a stable, subsistent Iraq: Obama pledges to escalate the regional diplomatic dialogue so that Iraq has a regional support network as it tackles questions of security and economic reconstruction.  The plan also makes a vague commitment to facilitate international trade opportunities between Iraq and the international community.  It does not make clear how far this trade will extend beyond Iraq’s historical petroleum trade.  Finally, Obama pledges American support for the resettlement of Iraqi refugees in coordination with the sovereign Iraqi federal government. 

Notably, Obama also restated his commitment to increasing the size of the military forces and devoting more funding to veterans’ care.

As commander-in-chief, President Obama has the authority to direct military policy.  Financing the withdrawal will likely come from the current budget allotments to the Iraq war, though the statement does not engage specifics.