American troops officially withdrew from cities throughout Iraq today. The event was declared a national holiday across the country, but many Iraqis stayed home, fearing violence in the absence of the security presence the American military has provided. The urban pullout comes over six years after the invasion of Iraq in 2003. U.S. troops are currently on track with their scheduled full withdrawal of all combat personnel by the end of 2011.
Despite the fears that kept many Iraqis inside, many police officers and other ecstatic Iraqis took to the streets to celebrate the departure of American troops and return of Iraqi sovereignty over their own cities--more than half a dozen years after former Vice President Dick Cheney falsely predicted the Iraqi public would greet US soldiers as liberators with flowers in the streets. Hopefully the Iraqi government will be able to govern effectively and respect the rights of the minority Sunni and Kurd populations in the troubled nation. But the lessons of Iraq should never be forgotten. War is rarely, if ever, a simple matter. More
"And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more." - from President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address
The Inauguration of President Barack Obama today simply seemed like an incredible dream come true. For years after hearing seemingly nothing but cringe inducing news about the actions of the United States government, finally, we got something absolutely right, and came roaring back in a big way. After years of feeling simply ashamed of the policies of this country and the attitude projected onto the rest of the world, there is finally the true hope of something to be truly proud of in the White House of the United States - not from some Congressman from California, or Senator from Vermont, The White House.
But how is the rest of the world feeling about all this? Are they sharing in the glow? Basking in the triumph of "hope over fear" as President Obama termed it in today's eloquent Inaugural Address? Let's take a look at commentators and columnists from around the world to hear what they have to say about it. More
It seems the closer we get to the November Presidential election, the higher the tensions are run. In case you needed anymore proof check out the Al Jazeera television report below of a McCain-Palin rally in eastern Ohio. In this fascinating clip a network that clearly has little love for the Republican party talks to people who mostly have little love for the Islamic world painting a scary portrait of the United States after the November elections. Should Obama win, he'll need to contend with the hatred and ignorance of people like those shown in this video. Should his opponent John McCain triumph it will be in part thanks to the support of these very same people. Check it out:
I agree. I live in a small town as well. I have for several years now wanted to do something to make a difference with our food, children, animals, enviroment, etc. I just don't know where to turn. There has got to be someone or some organization out there to help and guide people like us to help our community. I would be willing to do the "work" if I had some backing. Maybe the right person will see our messages and help. People like us are wanted so bad out there and here we are sitting and waiting. BTW, FOOD, INC IS AWESOME!!!!
American troops officially withdrew from cities throughout 
It seems the closer we get to the November Presidential election, the higher the tensions are run. In case you needed anymore proof check out the 
