The U.S. military recently cut its strength to under 50,000 troops in Iraq, helping to make good on Obama’s promise to end the war launched 7-1/2 years ago by his Republican predecessor, George W. Bush.

Obama’s Saturday remarks may be a preview of a rare, televised address the president plans on Tuesday evening from the White House Oval Office about the troop drawdown.

“On Tuesday, after more than seven years, the United St

ates of America will end its combat mission in Iraq and take an important step for

ward in responsibly ending the Iraq war,” Obama said.

“As a candidate for this office, I pledged I would end this war. As president, that is what I am doing.”