U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Iraq: Share Your Stories

On June 30, 2009, thousands of American troops will withdraw from Iraqi cities. The U.S. and Iraqi governments agreed last year to a security plan which stipulated a withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraqi cities by the end of June. The U.S. military has declined to give the exact number of American soldiers leaving the country. General Ray Orierno, the top American general in Iraq, said last month one-fifth of American troops would remain in Iraqi cities after the June 30 deadline. There are 134,000 soldiers currently serving in Iraq.

The number of suicide attacks in Iraq have increased in the last few months after a period of relative stability. April was the deadliest month in 2009 for both U.S. soldiers and Iraqi citizens.

Will you be affected by the US troop withdrawal? Are you an American soldier leaving Iraq, a family member back home, or an Iraqi living in a city occupied by U.S. troops? The Huffington Post wants to hear from people who will be affected by the drawdown.

If you are a soldier, are you looking forward to leaving? Where will you go? What will you remember most from your tour in Iraq? What are you looking forward to now?

Are you awaiting the arrival of a loved one? How are you preparing? How has your life been affected by your family member's or friend's tour of Iraq?

Do you live in Iraq? Will you feel more or less safe with a diminished U.S. military presence? How has the presence of U.S. troops in your city affected you and your family?

Please submit your story below by Friday, June 26 and limit your thoughts to 150 words.

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