US combat operations end in Iraq as millions remain displaced

President Obama addresses the nation tonight from the Oval Office with a speech focusing on Iraq. Today marks the end of US combat operations in the country. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Malaki said that the drawdown reinstates sovereignty for Iraq. But despite assurances by political leaders, the people of Iraq are still struggling. A political crisis has left many without basic services; a recent spate of bombings and attacks have left dozens dead and injured; and millions of refugees wait to return home.

For more we're joined by Hadani Ditmars. She was one of the first journalists to chronicle the effects of the US-imposed sanctions on Iraq in the 1990s. She's the author of the book Dancing in the No Fly Zone and co-editor of the New Internationalist.

More work by Hadani Ditmars: www.hadaniditmars.com

Post-Invasion Fact sheet from the New Internationalist: http://www.newint.org/features/2010/05/01/post-invasion-iraq-facts/

Photo: www.hadaniditmars.com

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