How Long?

VOA  captured a picture of Joe Biden, the Vice President of the U.S., as he faces cameramen. The caption states simply that he is walking with Iraq's Prime Minister on the way to a meeting in Baghdad. The article itself however, reveals that the scheduled depart of U.S. armed forced from Iraq might be a hasty decision. "After meeting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other officials in Baghdad, Biden said Iraq is on the threshold of a successful transition that will have a positive impact on the Middle East."  <br>The article also points out that there have been around 4,400 troops that have died since the 2003 invasion, and an estimated 32,000 injured. 
Though troop numbers have dropped heavily since 2007, many writers that are inspecting Biden's thoughts on prolonging the war have put emphasis on the things he said about wounded soldiers wanting to know about getting back to their unit's. This seem's like they are hinting as well that we should continue on in Iraq.
I don't know if I can agree with this or not. In my opinion, yes, we should help them in anyway we can, after all any peaceful and loving help we can give will only benefit us all-less war, help later on if we need it... On the other hand, it scares me that these troops can't come home yet. I have friends that are still being deployed, my boyfriend soon to join them, and I would love to know that they are here, and that they are safe, instead of going into potentially hostile territory. The government's website  says that "Obama and Biden will end the war responsibly in Iraq." by "transitioning to Iraqi control of their country." 
They hint that we might be needed longer, but hasn't it been long enough?
I do not want to add anyone I know to those nameless, faceless statistics, 4,400, or 32,000. None of those have went overseas were just numbers, they were heroes. The people that enlist after all that has happened are so brave, and so caring to want to put their life on the line to help not only all of us, but the people in Iraq. It amazes me.