As the last combat troops pull out of Iraq, that great little “military” newspaper, the Stars and Stripes, has published a series of articles examining and attempting to answer the questions:

After “[s]even years, $748 billion, 4,414 American servicemembers killed [a]nd more than 113,000 Iraqi civilians dead…After all the death and destruction — and rebirth and rebuilding — what difference did America really make in Iraq?”

And, did the U.S. accomplish the goals stated by President George W. Bush when we invaded Iraq, “to disarm Iraq, to free its people, and to defend the world from grave danger”?

Starting this past Monday and concluding today, with five sets of daily articles, the Stars and Stripes has, in my opinion, if not fully answered the questions, at least given Americans a lot to think and ponder---and to keep in mind "the next time.”

These are the articles.  They are superb!

Monday, August 16. DAY 1: The soldiers

“As U.S. combat troops exit Iraq, unresolved issues left behind in country facing uncertain future,” by Heath Druzin.

“Is Iraq worth fighting for?” by John Vandiver

An American and an Iraqi soldier, each gravely wounded in the war, battle to recover.

“Back home, but still fighting,” by Leo Shane III

“I chose the right way, and no one rewarded me,” by Heath Druzin

Wednesday, August 18. DAY 3: The politicians

A veteran, and a veteran politician, navigate new battlegrounds.

“Murphy’s missions: Experiences in Iraq led veteran to Congress,” by Leo Shane II

“’Chameleon’ Hassan al-Alawi survives, thrives,” by Heath Druzin.

Thursday, August 19, DAY 4: The widows

One war widow tries to move on and another tries to survive.

“Eddy Garvin’s girl: ‘At some point, it just gets easier,‘” by Nancy Montgomery.

“Male-dominated, war-ravaged country offers little hope for Iraqi widows,” by Nancy Montgomery

Friday, August 20 DAY 5: The hometowns

A Baghdad neighborhood is divided by strife while an Ohio town pulls together

“Zanesville remembers,” by Megan McCloskey

“The violence has waned, but the fear remains,” by Heath Druzin

Thank you, Stars and Stripes.

But, most of all, our gratitude to the brave men and women who served in Iraq, so many still serving there, and who have sacrificed so much—all too many making the ultimate sacrifice—and to their families who stayed behind and who also sacrificed.

Finally, let’s not forget the innocent Iraqi men, women and children who have died and suffered as a result of the War.

Image: Courtesy Stars and Stripes