Obama to troops: After 13 years in Afghanistan ‘we are safer’ - David Nakamura

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii – President Obama said the United States is safer after 13 years of war in Afghanistan and he added that the Asian nation will no longer be the source of terrorist attacks, as the American military continues to withdraw to a far smaller force.

“Next week, we will be ending our combat mission in Afghanistan,” Obama said, as he and first lady Michelle Obama thanked U.S. troops at a Marine Corps base here during their traditional visit for Christmas dinner. A Marine shouted “Hurrah!” and others cheered when the president mentioned the end of combat.

“Because of the extraordinary service of the men and women in the armed forces, Afghanistan has a chance to rebuild its own country,” Obama said. "We are safer. It’s not going to be a source of terrorist attacks again."

“We still have some very difficult missions around the world, including in Iraq,” Obama said. “But the world is better, it’s safer, it’s more peaceful, it’s more prosperous and our homeland is protected because of you and the sacrifices you make each and every day.”  Read More at Washingtonpost