President Obama says the decade has been difficult for the country, in that nearly 4,500 Americans have died in the Iraq war and 1,500 in Afghanistan.

He said the tide of war is receding, with the combat mission in Iraq ended and 100,000 American troops already out of that country.

He said the long wars will come to a responsible end.

The president acknowledged U.S. involvement has caused many to question the nation's engagement around the world. He said some would have the U.S. retreat from its responsibility as an anchor of global security.

Mr. Obama said the United States protects freedom and prosperity by extending it to others, and that is why the U.S. is supporting revolutions that have swept through the Arab world.