Fearing the future few Iraqis cheer US departure
Nouri al-Maliki
In an address to the nation to mark the end of combat operations  al-Maliki said Iraqi forces were capable of handling security and protecting people from attacks after U.S. combat troops pull out.
 He characterized attacks that continue to plague the country as a "desperate attempt by al-Qaida and remnants of the former (Saddam Hussein) regime to prove their presence."
 "I assure you that the Iraqi security troops are capable and qualified to shoulder the responsibility " he said in televised comments broadcast live on Iraqi state television.
 The end of combat operations  according to al-Maliki  was a basic step in restoring Iraq's sovereignty. The prime minister also promised a full withdrawal of American troops next year.
In an address to the nation to mark the end of combat operations  [TGT] said Iraqi forces were capable of handling security and protecting people from attacks after U.S. combat troops pull out.
 [TGT] characterized attacks that continue to plague the country as a "desperate attempt by al-Qaida and remnants of the former (Saddam Hussein) regime to prove their presence."
 "I assure you that the Iraqi security troops are capable and qualified to shoulder the responsibility " [TGT] said in televised comments broadcast live on Iraqi state television.
 The end of combat operations  according to al-Maliki  was a basic step in restoring Iraq's sovereignty. [TGT] also promised a full withdrawal of American troops next year.