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Tuesday

Obama Turns Page On Iraq, But Story Isn't Over

In this video image, President Obama speaks to the nation from the Oval Office about the end of the U.S. combat role in Iraq. APTN hide caption

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The Impact of War

Obama Turns Page On Iraq, But Story Isn't Over

As he ended the combat mission in Iraq, President Obama called on the American people to put the energies once devoted there into the fighting in Afghanistan and the rebuilding of the U.S. economy. But he also foreshadowed what analysts say will be a difficult and dangerous job of training Iraqi forces to maintain their country's security.

Ex-Bush Defense Official Reacts To Obama's Speech

For reaction to the president's speech, Robert Siegel talks to Douglas Feith, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy under former President George W. Bush, and author of War and Decision, Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism.

Ex-Bush Defense Official Reacts To Obama's Speech

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Political Analysis Of Obama's Speech On Iraq

For more on the president's speech, Robert Siegel talks to political commentator E.J. Dionne, of the Washington Post and the Brookings Institution; and Michelle Bernard, CEO of the conservative Independent Women's Forum.

Political Analysis Of Obama's Speech On Iraq

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Analysis Of President Obama's Speech On Iraq

President Obama -- speaking Tuesday night from the Oval Office -- marked the official end of the American combat mission in Iraq. For analysis of the president's speech, Robert Siegel talks to NPR national political correspondent Mara Liasson, NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and NPR senior foreign editor Loren Jenkins.

Analysis Of President Obama's Speech On Iraq

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Forgotten Ship: A Daring Rescue As Saigon Fell

On April 29, 1975, as Saigon was falling to Communist North Vietnamese forces, a small U.S. Navy destroyer escort ship, the USS Kirk, played a dramatic but almost forgotten role in rescuing up to 30,000 South Vietnamese. Here, a member of the USS Kirk's crew tends to a Vietnamese baby. Hugh Doyle hide caption

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Hugh Doyle

The USS Kirk: Valor At The Vietnam War's End

Forgotten Ship: A Daring Rescue As Saigon Fell

On April 29, 1975, as South Vietnam was falling to Communist forces, a small U.S. Navy ship, the USS Kirk, took on a big role in rescuing thousands of refugees rushing to the Americans for shelter.

Forgotten Ship: A Daring Rescue As Saigon Fell

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Hamas Faces New Threats As It Tightens Grip On Gaza

Palestinians enjoy the Mediterranean Sea at a Hamas-run beach resort in Gaza City. Ventures such as beach clubs, wedding halls and a shopping center are one way the militant Islamist group is strengthening its rule over the Gaza Strip. Andrea Bruce/VII Network for NPR hide caption

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Andrea Bruce/VII Network for NPR

Life In Hamas-Ruled Gaza

Hamas Faces New Threats As It Tightens Grip On Gaza

Israel's recent military operation in the Gaza Strip and subsequent blockade were meant to weaken the militant group Hamas. But Hamas' rule over the coastal enclave seems stronger than ever, even as it confronts a host of new challenges, including criticism that the group is not Islamist enough.

Hamas Faces New Threats As It Tightens Grip On Gaza

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Obama: End Of Iraq Combat Mission No 'Victory Lap'

President Obama visited with U.S. troops at Fort Bliss, just outside El Paso, Texas, on Tuesday. Many of them have just returned from Iraq. The president's visit was a prelude to the Oval Office speech he will give Tuesday night about the troop drawdown. He told the soldiers that he won't be taking a victory lap or making a congratulatory speech. Instead, he said, he'll be honoring them. Robert Siegel talks to NPR's Mara Liasson.

Obama: End Of Iraq Combat Mission No 'Victory Lap'

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Turkish Government Pushes Constitutional Reforms

It's campaign season in Turkey, as the government pushes for public approval next month of a package of long-promised constitutional reforms. Democracy advocates say it's a positive step, though it represents only a fraction of what's needed. Some critics have focused on the government's failure to address the needs of the Kurdish minority, while others say the ruling AK Party hopes to ride a successful vote to another victory in elections expected next year.

Turkish Government Pushes Constitutional Reforms

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Iraq: By The Numbers

After seven years of a U.S. military presence in Iraq, the future of that country's security and future U.S. involvement remain ambiguous. But what things can be measured? How is Iraq's GDP? Or its electricity generation? NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Michael O'Hanlon of the Brookings Institution about what can be quantified in Iraq.

Iraq: By The Numbers

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A Look At America's 'Advise And Assist' Role In Iraq

If it's not combat, what is it? NPR's Kelly McEvers spent a day flying around Iraq with the U.S. military to understand the U.S role in the post-combat era.

A Look At America's 'Advise And Assist' Role In Iraq

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A Look Back At Key Moments Of The Iraq War

As President Obama prepares to outline the withdrawal of combat forces from Iraq in an Oval Office speech Tuesday night, NPR's Robert Siegel and Melissa Block listen back to key moments of the Iraq war.

A Look Back At Key Moments Of The Iraq War

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