Biden: Iraqis Ready To Take Charge

Vice President Joe Biden applauded the success of the United States military in Iraq and said the people of Iraq are ready to step up to the plate and “take charge” of their country.

At a Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Indianapolis Monday, the Vice-President expressed his confidence in the Iraqi people and said that political leaders must rise up and match the commitment made by the people.

“It’s time for them to match the courage of their citizens,” Biden said. “I’m absolutely confident that Iraq will form a national unity government that will be able to sustain that country.”

Despite U.S. success in Iraq, the omnipresent statement seems to echo from the mouths of all political leaders addressing the issue; the war is not over.

“Drawing down our troops does not mean disengaging from Iraq,” Biden said. “In fact, quite the opposite is true.”

Biden’s address comes just eight days before President Barack Obama plans to address the military’s official transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on the last day of the month.