Soon after the U.S troops marched out of the streets of Iraq, widespread jubilation and celebration marked the beginning of a sovereign Iraq and its national holiday, the National Sovereignty Day. Throughout the country, people celebrated their new found freedom with fireworks, parades and public gatherings.

However, this joyous day was marred with a spate of violent attacks across the county by militants and insurgents, reasserting the fact that, Iraqi security forces might not be able to handle the insurgency and terrorism. The country witnessed a massive car bomb attack and other acts of terrorism on its most glorious days of all.

Skepticism took over the celebrations as many are still worried about the capabilities of the Iraq’s security forces and whether the situation would be better or would become even worse. As per the general opinion, most of the people believe that, the some of the U.S armed battalions will stay in Iraq for assistance to the Iraqi armed forces. According to Samir Alwan, 28,

“They (U.S troops) will not withdraw to their homes; they will stay here and there so that they can return in emergencies. So it is not sovereignty, according to my point of view, and I think that the Iraqi Army is only able to secure the south of the country and unable to secure Baghdad and Mosul.”

With the withdrawal of the coalition forces from Iraq, violence and terror attacks have already begun to raise their ugly heads again. In Kirkuk, a massive suicide bomb killed at least 33 people. The bombing took place in a Kurdish neighborhood market. Also, on Monday, 4 U.S soldiers were killed in an ambush as their teams withdrew from the city.

Since the last few months, anti-American sentiments have seen a steady rise in the hearts and minds of the Iraqi populace, that has made this withdrawal of the U.S soldiers even more joyous for the people. Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, in his national address said,

“The national united government succeeded in putting down the sectarian war that was threatening the unity and the sovereignty of Iraq.”

Inspite of the fact that Mr. Maliki took the entire credit for the success achieved in curbing the violence, most American Commanders on the ground did not feel offended, as they understand that the Prime Minister and the Iraqi Army needs to have a strong and determined image. At a new conference, General Ray Odierno said,

“I do not get these negative comments from the political leaders that are in the government. In my mind, I frankly don’t worry about those comments because I understand that we are working this together.”

Via New York Times.