Obama's plans for Iraq

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/01/world/01obama-text.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=obama's%20plans%20to%20leave%20iraq&st=cse

President Obama, from the Oval Office, addressed the removal of American troops from Iraq.  50,000 troops are expected to leave Iraq by the end of next year.  President Obama stated: "Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq's future is not."  He vowed that all troops would be gone by the end of next year, and that "the American combat mission in Iraq has ended."  He also told of his plans to "apply resources to Afghanistan to go on offense to break Taliban's momentum."  He wants the people of the United States to focus on the "urgent task of restoring our economy."

How Long did the Iraq War last?