War or Combat Operations or Spin?

US President Barack Obama has confirmed the end of all combat operations in Iraq by 31 August.
So its not been a war or an occupation its been a combat operation or a series of them.However, 50,000 troops will stay in the country in order to train Iraqi security forces, conduct counterterrorism operations and provide civilians with ongoing security (or combat operations?). Is this Spin?
Meanwhile, according to the US military, 222 people died in attacks last month. Baghdad says 535 lost their lives - which would make July the deadliest month in the country for more than two years.
The US released its own figure after Baghdad's estimate prompted concern that insurgents were exploiting a post-election power vacuum - and would wreak more havoc as the US withdrew more troops.
"The claim that July 2010 was the deadliest month in Iraq since May 2008 is incorrect," a US military statement said. The US offered no full explanation as to why its figures differed so markedly from those issued by the Iraqi authorities. Now that is Spin!