Khaleej Times, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 1, on the allied combat troop withdrawal from Iraq:

It’s party time for the U.S. troops coming back home from Iraq. The formal end of combat operations and their withdrawal, in principle, is a welcome sign altogether. With this development, the Obama administration has fulfilled one of its electoral commitments to pull out of the war-weary Arab country. But has it made any difference for the Iraqis?

The undesired and choreographed episode of invasion, occupation and now withdrawal has not really helped. Rather, it has pushed Iraq deep into the abyss of insecurity, chaos and confusion. What was once one of the richest and most prosperous Arab nation-state is now in ruins, and its socio-political edifice in tatters. This withdrawal phase at the same time has brought renewed responsibilities on the political dispensation of Baghdad. Unfortunately, it seems unable to handle these. …

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who was in Iraq to sign off his troops, has made a point. He said that Washington would be closely working with Baghdad, and hopes to see the political impasse resolved at the earliest. The U.S. should ensure that its interaction with the political dispensation is different from its previous approach of bullying. Interfering in grass root issues, however, should not defeat the very purpose of transfer of sovereignty. Let Iraqis take charge of their destiny and rise as a cohesive force. But Washington will be failing in its duties if it doesn’t come to its rescue in defeating and dismantling the terror infrastructure. Stability and security of Iraq are of paramount importance, and it is here that Baghdad and Washington should be on the same wavelength.

Online: http://www.khaleejtimes.com