U.S. Withdrawal Date Approaches In Iraq

USA Today — As a June 30 deadline approaches for most U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities after a six-year occupation, much of the country is eager for the change. Vast areas including Baghdad have seen security improve dramatically and, while some tensions linger between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, major combat operations have drawn to a close. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government says it's ready to provide security and assume other responsibilities that have been performed largely by Americans since the 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein. Yet there are still trouble spots in Iraq where militant groups such as al-Qaeda retain considerable power, setting off suicide bombs and terrorizing the population in the hope of staging a comeback nationwide.