After announcing the end of Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq on August 31, 2010, President Barack Obama said: ” ‘Going forward, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq’s Security Forces, supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions, and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year. As our military draws down, our dedicated civilians–diplomats, aid workers, and advisors–are moving into the lead to support Iraq as it strengthens its government, resolves political disputes, resettles those displaced by war, and builds ties with the region and the world.’ ”
– Barack Obama, “Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on the End of Combat Operations in Iraq,” The White House Office of the Press Secretary, Aug. 31, 2010