Iraq better off after US withdrawal

Russia reckons that the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq has not made the situation in the country worse, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Friday. “We consider the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq has not worsened the situation in the country,” Bogdanov said. In October 2011 the U.S. President Barack Obama announced that Washington would withdraw all its military forces from Iraq, after Washington and Baghdad failed to agree a continued U.S. military presence there. The last American troops left Iraq on December 18, 2011. “Iraqi law enforcement structures have improved and are fighting terrorism and criminals," Bogdanov said. "We consider that the government will in control of the situation in the country, which will allow Iraqi residents to get back to normal life,” he said, adding that some problems still existed and reforms should continue. Baghdad has been preparing to host the Arab League Summit at the end of March. “It will by a symbolic event that will confirm the return of Iraq to the family of Arab nations and restore its active role in international relations,” he said. Moscow will continue to assist Iraq in returning to an international policy geared to resolving those problems that exist in the region, he said.