The Hill News

Mitt Romney condemned President Obama on Friday for his decision to withdrawal all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011, saying Obama is putting U.S. victory in Iraq "at risk."

“The unavoidable question is whether this decision is the result of a naked political calculation or simply sheer ineptitude in negotiations with the Iraqi government,” Romney said in a statement released by his campaign. “The American people deserve to hear the recommendations that were made by our military commanders in Iraq.”

Romney has previously criticised Obama for not listening to his “generals on the ground” in announcing a troop draw-down in Afghanistan.

“President Obama’s astonishing failure to secure an orderly transition in Iraq has unnecessarily put at risk the victories that were won through the blood and sacrifice of thousands of American men and women,” Romney said.

Romney was the first top tier Republican presidenti! al candidate to respond to Obama’s announcement, made earlier on Friday. Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson responded first with a tweet: "Troops out of Iraq by the holidays -- Good news, but LONG overdue."