http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31519397/ns ... t_in_iraq/BAGHDAD - The Iraqi government on Tuesday declared a public holiday to mark next week's withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Baghdad and other cities.
American forces already have begun pulling back from outposts inside the cities ahead of a June 30 deadline, the first phase of a full withdrawal by the end of 2011.
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said Tuesday that ceremonies will be held on Monday and the deadline itself will be a public holiday, although students will still have to take their final exams as scheduled.
The announcement comes days after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called the U.S. withdrawal from the cities a "great victory," despite fears that violence will increase after the Americans become less visible.
The stakes are high for al-Maliki's Shiite-led government to prove it is capable of taking care of its people ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for Jan. 30.
It will be interesting to see what happens.











