WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama warned on Saturday "there will be difficult days ahead" in Iraq and said the U.S. will remain a strong partner to Iraq for its security. Obama, speaking to military families at the White House for Independence Day festivities, praised Iraq's independence and thanked troops for their service. Because of the courage, capability and commitment of soldiers who have served in Iraq, the country is now "taking control of its own destiny," he said. "Iraq's future now rests in the hands of its own people. As extraordinary an accomplishment as that is, we know that this transition won't be without problems," Obama said. "We know there will be difficult days ahead. And that's why we will remain a strong partner to the Iraqi people on behalf of their security and prosperity." Combat troops this week withdrew from Iraqi cities as part of a security pact that calls for a full withdrawal by the end of 2011. The White House invited about 1,200 military families to attend the Fourth of July gathering on the White House South Lawn. He told the service members they were "the latest, strongest link in that unbroken chain that stretches back to the Continental Army." Speaking to service members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama said the U.S. military has taken on the terror and extremism that threatens the world's stability.
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