Journal-News.com

Springfield, Ohio — It doesn't surprise Liam Anderson that U.S. troops remain in Iraq six years after the war started.

"I thought it would be 20 years at least," said Anderson, an associate professor of political science at Wright State University.

Today marks the sixth anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

President Barack Obama has said he will draw troops down over the next 18 months and troops will be completely out of Iraq by the end of 2011.

Anderson said he agrees with the president's plan to reduce troop levels, but he believes about 50,000 troops will remain beyond that to be advisers or trainers.

"You have to get the bulk of the troops out because they are needed elsewhere," he said.

Frank Jenista, professor of international studies at Cedarville University, said he has been encouraged by Obama's sensible approach and willingness to listen to those on the ground.

"There is no indication he is going to pull away the supports before the concrete is dry," he said.

Jenista sees signs of stability — shops are open, parks are full and newspapers are active.

"There are some bright clouds on the horizon," he said. "There are also some dark clouds out there, but the situation is going in the right direction."

Anderson believes it remains dangerous, both in the north with the Kurds and with the tension between the current Iraqi government and Sunni tribes.

How the war will be viewed in future history books remains to be seen, Jenista said, depending on what happens in Iraq.

"The winners get the good judgment in history," Jenista said.

Anderson agreed, saying it also depends on what happens in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

If 50 years from now, the Middle East is home to several democracies, Anderson said the Iraq War might be looked at as the start of it all.

"But the incompetence of the Bush administration's handling of the post-invasion, history is going to be very scathing about that," he said.