NEW : Obama claims progress has been made in Afghanistan and Pakistan . NEW : Obama highlights new benefits for veterans . Obama 's update on the conflict in Iraq came in the context of a wide-ranging speech addressing several issues tied to national security and veterans ' benefits . Comment: The number of U.S. troops in Iraq is scheduled to decrease to 50,000 .
NEW : Obama claims progress has been made in Afghanistan and Pakistan . NEW : Obama highlights new benefits for veterans . Comment: The number of U.S. troops in Iraq is scheduled to decrease to 50,000 .