Tomorrow Is Iraq's Independence Day Party

As part of the phased withdrawal program, American forces are handing over the policing of Iraqi towns and cities to Iraqi security forces on Wednesday. And to commemorate the beginning of the end of America's long, trying campaign of "liberation," Iraq is having a sort of independence day party tomorrow. They're calling it National Sovereignty Day.

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From the BBC:"Ahead of the withdrawal deadline, US soldiers are conspicuously absent from many of Baghdad's Shia and Sunni districts, correspondents say. Streets have been crowded with cars and pedestrians as music blares from city shops."Regardless of how you feel about this whole (mis)adventure, it's great that Iraqis finally have some symbolic acknowledgment that their country is actually their own. And, of course, it'll make it harder for the warlords to exploit ethnic divisions if Iraqis feel like they have a national identity.The last few years certainly haven't been easy. Congratulations, Iraq. I hope the party is a success.National Sovereignty Day graphic from Flickr user ????????(cc)