August 31 is the deadline that President Obama set for all combat troops to leave Iraq. As a result, Iraqi military forces are increasingly forced to fend for themselves in protecting their country and their people. The NewsHour's Margaret Warner is in Iraq reporting about the nation's mindset as the U.S. scales back its involvement there. A shopkeeper in the Iraqi city of Mosul says his country's police force has done a good job protecting him and his city, since it's now safe for his shop to be open every day instead of just a few days a week, as in the past. General Hamid Mosun Al-Taey, an Iraqi federal police brigade commander near Mosul, is proud of what his forces have accomplished but admits they still rely on American support when security situations get especially dangerous. American military officials also insist that Iraqi forces are prepared to take over their own country's security, but an American-run central command center still provides intelligence and guidance to Iraqi forces on the ground. Many Iraqis are wary of what will happen when all American forces, including behind-the-scenes support, leave their country altogether. The first 4 minutes introduces the main topics in this video report, while the rest explores Iraqi attitudes toward the troop drawdown more in-depth. Quotes "The Iraqi forces are in control. I took you to the hottest spot in Mosul. And, as you can see, the market is flourishing."- General Hamid Mosun Al-Taey, Iraqi federal police brigade commander "You want me to tell you the truth, when the Americans leave, everything will collapse, because everybody wants to be in control." - General Hamid Mosun Al-Taey, Iraqi federal police brigade commander "We're in the backseat, help them out however we can, but they are the ones doing the job. And really, they are weaning themselves off of it, because they are getting better and they know that they are going to have to do it without us." - Lt. Col. Dan Reid, U.S. Army Warm Up Questions 1. Where is Iraq? 2. What have U.S. forces been doing in Iraq since 2003? 3. What does "combat" mean? What do military forces do besides combat? Discussion Questions 1. Based on what you saw in the video, do you think Iraqi forces are ready to control their country’s security without help from the U.S.? Why or why not? 2. Why do you think Iraqi civilians' opinions of their country’s safety and stability are so varied? What sorts of factors might shape their opinions? 3. Imagine you are an Iraqi businessowner in Mosul. Why might you be happy that U.S. combat forces are leaving your country? Why might you be uncertain about it? Additional Resources Video Transcript Student Voice: Olympic Swimmer in Iraq Hopes for Better Days Iraq War Hits Home for Students and Families Last Combat Troops Exit Iraq Download this Video