Last Tuesday, President Obama ambiguously declared that the “American combat mission in Iraq has ended.”

Even though both conservatives and liberals display approving opinions to the official end of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the war has not yet ended in reality because many Americans’ thoughts still remain uncertain.

Was the war worth it? Is the war really “over?” Are American troops in Iraq safe? And what did we get out of it?

The war cost more than $3 trillion, approximately 4,400 US soldiers’ lives and 100,000 Iraqi lives and wounded more than 32,000 US soldiers. However, compared to its cost, the war benefited almost no one but the defense industry and its stockholders.

Also, many question whether Iraq will be able to stand on its own. In 2003, former President George W. Bush claimed that a part of the reason for the combat mission was to bring democracy and peace in Iraq. However, once U.S. troops withdraw from Iraq, will there be a stable Iraqi government?

Obama said on Tuesday, “Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq’s future is not.” He also mentioned that it is time to “turn the page” to a different issue. Agreed, but his plans should provide more vivid examples of his anticipated “commitment” and no longer be evasive.

His plan is to have 50,000 U.S. soldiers remain in Iraq until the end of next year. The troop’s stated mission is to train, assist and advise Iraqi troops. Hence, the numbers of casualties and injuries are likely continue to rise. What benefit will the U.S. gain by jeopardizing 50,000 more lives in Iraq?

A continued engagement in Iraq may bring positive outcomes; but without a legitimate, clear proposal, his plans are yet to be acknowledged.

We cannot anticipate any peace between the nations when the troops are still vulnerable in Iraq. Moreover, Obama cannot presume to call the current situation “an end to the combat mission.”

Our central mission should be protecting Americans’ lives in the Middle East, rather than seeking a peace “that will end conflict” between the nations.

This is just the beginning of an end to the combat mission; we will have to wait until the end of next year to determine if national peace and security can be achieved or not.