Few cheers as US forces end combat operations in Iraq

Iraqis, who for years have protested against the US occupation, are generally happy to see that the American presence will not be endless. But there is also considerable trepidation about whether Iraq can go it alone.

"It's not the right time," said Johaina Mohammed, a 40-year-old teacher from Baghdad. "There is no government, the security is deteriorating, and there is no trust."

Just under 50,000 US troops remain in Iraq, down from a peak of nearly 170,000 at the height of the military surge in 2007. Those troops will be focused on training and assisting the Iraqi military and will no longer be allowed on combat missions unless requested and accompanied by Iraqi forces.

Underscoring the shift, Mr Biden was making a new appeal to Iraqi leaders yesterday, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, to end the political deadlock and seat a new government. Parliamentary elections on March 7 left Iraq without a clear winner, and insurgents have since exploited the uncertainty to hammer Iraqi security forces.

Iraqi forces are vastly improved and attacks have plummeted since the dark days of 2006 and 2007.

But rarely a day goes by without some loss of life, and spectacular attacks such as the violence on Wednesday that killed 56 people still happen with disturbing regularity.

Mr Biden and US officials have downplayed suggestions they are abandoning Iraq at a crucial time. The Vice-President said militants' attempts to again wreck havoc in Iraq have been unsuccessful.

"Notwithstanding what the national Press says about increased violence, the truth is, things are still very much different, things are much safer," he said.

In an address to the nation to mark the end of combat operations, Mr al-Maliki said Iraqi forces were capable of handling security and protecting people from attacks after US combat troops pull out.

Five american troops killed in Afghanistan attacks

Five US troops were killed in Afghanistan yesterday, the latest casualties in a savage spell that has left 19 dead since Saturday.

Nato said four troops were killed by a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan, while a fifth died in a battle with insurgents in the country's south. The deaths bring this month's total to 55, still below the figure of 66 for July, the deadliest month for US troops in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion.

Almost all the recent coalition deaths have come in southern and eastern Afghanistan where the Taliban is most deeply entrenched and where fighting has been heaviest. Those areas are closest to the mountainous border with Pakistan.