Obama vows full US pullout in Iraq by end of 2011

Sky News report that some 40,000 American soldiers will leave Iraq, leaving only around 200 military troops as part of the American embassy’s security team, defence attache’s office and office of security co-operation.

Obama’s declaration follows a disagreement between the US and Iraq, where Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki had agreed to military presence for training presence, but rejected legal immunity calls.

“After nearly nine years, America's war in Iraq will be over,” Obama said. “US troops will definitely be home for the holidays.”

Obama’s decision was criticised by Republicans as Senator John McCain saying the move went against the advice of US military commanders. “In retrospect, I don't think the political side of the Obama administration ever had any serious intentions of keeping a residual force there because none of their actions were serious,” McCain said.