The United States has ended its seven-and-a-half-year military operation in Iraq and is shifting to a civilian-led mission to build a partnership with the country that will strengthen its government, industry and people, President Obama told the American people in nationally televised address August 31.

“Tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country,” Obama said. Some U.S. forces will remain to train Iraqi security officials.

“Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility,” Obama said. “Now, it’s time to turn the page.”

What do you think of the president’s remarks?

The Obamas visited New Orleans this past weekend to mark the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a powerful storm that devastated much of the Gulf Coast and killed more than 1800 people. The anniversary also comes after months of cleanup from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Five years ago, many questioned whether people could ever return to this city,” the President said, speaking at Xavier University. “Today, New Orleans is one of the fastest growing cities in America, with a big new surge in small businesses.”

Obama acknowledged that while progress has been made, challenges remain. “I wanted to come here and tell the people of this city directly: My administration is going to stand with you — and fight alongside you — until the job is done.”

Hello again, it’s me, Michelle. Ned and Kirsten have wrapped up their summer internships at America.gov and are headed back to their universities. Didn’t they do a great job blogging about Obama?

Back when Barack Obama was running for president, he said he would withdraw combat troops from Iraq. And now, that is becoming a reality. On August 31, the United States’ combat mission in Iraq will come to an end.

“At this key transition point, it is important to show our support to the troops and their families,” the White House says on its website. How to show your support? The White House provides tips on how to craft a message to American soldiers via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Flickr.

President Obama is expected to mark the August 31 end of combat operations with a televised speech to the American people.

It’s that time of year in Washington—Congress is on recess, the Obamas are on vacation and Bo is on board for some relaxing summer afternoons before the days cool down and the action heats up this fall.

As the Obamas enjoy a visit to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts this week, join me in taking a second’s pause to treat yourself to something sweet (perhaps the traditional Obama ice cream cone) and enjoy a good book (the president chose one of my favorites, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird for his daughters to read this trip).

I find summer days the best time to refocus, reenergize and reflect. What do you think should be Obama’s top priorities this fall? What are yours?

Workers help to unload a U.S. helicopter

President Obama’s remarks last week commemorated the 63 years that Pakistan has been an independent nation. However, his words were particularly significant in the wake of the ongoing crisis due to catastrophic flooding in the country. The administration recently committed additional aid to Pakistan, to help it deal with the harsh effects that heavy monsoon rains are having in the region. The U.S. has allocated $35 million, in addition to the $7.5 million pledged previously, to provide assistance to those suffering from the effects of the flooding. The official White House statement on the relief aid contains more information on the efforts the U.S. is making to help Pakistan.

“The people of America stand with the people of Pakistan through this difficult time and will continue to urge the international community to increase their support and assistance,” said Obama. “We will remain committed to helping Pakistan and will work side by side with you and the international community toward a recovery that brings back the dynamic vitality of your nation.”

Take a look at the White House blog for information on how you can help Pakistan’s recovery efforts. Our thoughts go out to those suffering because of this disaster!

Obama greets audience members after speaking at a fundraiser in Seattle.

How much would you pay to support President Obama at an event where you could meet him and hear him speak? How about $1,400 (the cost of attending Tuesday’s fundraiser in Seattle, Washington)? What about $30,400 (the suggested ticket price to attend Vogue Editor Anna Wintour’s dinner with Obama last month)?

Fundraising is part of the president’s unofficial job description. This week Obama’s schedule has been packed with fundraising appearances, including two for elected state officials while he was in Seattle Tuesday. At these functions, attendees are encouraged to make contributions to the Democratic Party, and Obama speaks to supporters about his policy and goals.

Fundraising is especially critical now with midterm elections approaching this November and with Obama’s approval rating having dipped to its lowest weekly average last week, according to a recent Gallup poll.

These events are not just about raising funds—they’re about raising support.

So in the spirit of President John F. Kennedy’s famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” Obama’s speech at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee finance event in Los Angeles, California Monday contained the following message:

“We’re going to move this country forward with your help, but we are going to need your help. We’re going to need your phone calls. We are going to need your knocking on doors. We need your enthusiasm. We need your spirit. We need your confidence that we can continue to make this country even better than it already is. All right? And if everybody here is able to marshal that spirit once again, I’m absolutely positive we’re not just going to do well in this election, we’re going to do right by the next generation.”

What’s your reaction?