Obama marks end of combat operations: What's next for Iraq?

August 31 was the deadline for the end of US combat operations in Iraq.

President Obama speaks tonight from the Oval Office to mark the formal end of seven years of combat operations in Iraq. "Our combat phase is over," Mr. Obama said earlier today, "but we've worked too hard to neglect the continuing work that has to be done."

Perhaps the biggest challenge in Iraq is forming a government. Six months after elections were held, members of parliament remain deadlocked.

What role would you like to see the US play in Iraq going forward? Should Washington keep a substantial presence of US troops for decades, as it has on the Korean peninsula? Should it primarily support Iraq's political institutions? Give development aid? Or would it be better if the US minimized its influence in Iraq?

Share your thoughts below.

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