WASHINGTON (August 31, 2010)--President Barack Obama told the nation in a primetime Oval Office address Tuesday night that the U.S. is officially ending its combat role in Iraq, a final turning point in one of the country's longest wars.

"I am mindful that the Iraq war has been a contentious issue at home" and that "it is time to turn the page,” he said.

Mr. Obama said earlier Tuesday he called former President George W. Bush, who began the war with the March 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Mr. Obama, an anti-war activist, said that he and Bush disagreed about the war, but said there was no doubt about Bush's support for U.S. troops, his love of country or commitment to America's security.

He called Mr. Bush a patriot.

The troop drawdown in Iraq allows the U.S. to go on the offensive in Afghanistan in the fight against al Qaeda, Mr. Obama said.

We will disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists,” he said.

Mr. Obama also devoted part of his speech to the economy, saying that restoring it is “our most urgent task.”

Mr. Obama says that includes strengthening education and job training, jump-starting industries that create jobs, ending dependence on foreign oil, unleashing innovation and nurturing ideas from entrepreneurs.

He called the task difficult but necessary.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issue a statement after the speech in which he praised U.S. troops and President Bush’s resolve.

“President Obama is right to honor our troops who helped turn the tide of violence in Iraq during its darkest days,” he said.

“But it’s puzzling to listen to this White House try to take credit for the results of the strategy he and Vice President Biden adamantly opposed from the start.