The U.S. has reached an agreement with Iraq to conclude its military mission against the Islamic State group by next year, leading to the withdrawal from longstanding bases. The agreement involves a two-phase transition, with U.S. troops potentially remaining in Iraq to support regional operations against ISIS through 2026. The decision comes amidst significant geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and ongoing calls for the reduction of foreign military presence in Iraq.
The United States has reached an agreement with the Iraqi government to conclude its military mission in Iraq, specifically targeting the American-led coalition’s operations against the Islamic State group by the end of next year. The formal announcement, made by U.S. officials, marks a significant alteration in the U.S. military presence, which has persisted for nearly two decades. Currently, approximately 2,500 U.S. troops remain stationed in Iraq, although the Biden administration refrained from disclosing how many will stay post-agreement. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh underscored the adjusting nature of the U.S. presence in Iraq, stating, “I think it’s fair to say that, you know, our footprint is going to be changing within the country,” without delving into specific numbers. This development emerges amidst heightened tension in the Middle East, especially with the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iranian-backed militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which have increasingly targeted U.S. assets in the region. Iraqi officials have persistently advocated for the withdrawal of foreign coalition troops, prompting months of formal discussions for the U.S. military to scale back its operations. The agreement involves a two-phase transition: the first phase, expected to run through September 2025, will see the end of the coalition’s mission against ISIS, leading to the evacuation of longstanding U.S. bases, including Ain al-Asad and Baghdad International Airport, subsequently relocating troops to Hareer base in the Kurdistan region. The second phase anticipates continued U.S. operations in Iraq until 2026, focusing on counter-ISIS initiatives in Syria. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani expressed confidence in Iraqi security forces’ capabilities during this transition, indicating a shift towards a bilateral security relationship with the U.S. Historically, the military presence had expanded dramatically post-2003 invasion, initially justified by claims of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The focus evolved with the rise of ISIS, prompting renewed military engagement to stabilize the Iraqi forces. As the situation stabilizes, the U.S. aims to ensure that its forces remain a strategic counterbalance to Iranian influence in the region.
The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq has been an ongoing topic of discussion since the invasion in 2003, which aimed to dismantle the regime of Saddam Hussein. The American military presence peaked in 2007 amidst counterinsurgency efforts but was gradually reduced following the withdrawal of combat troops in 2011. A renewed engagement followed the rise of ISIS in 2014, which led to American and coalition forces returning to aid Iraqi security forces. In more recent years, there has been persistent pressure on the Iraqi government to reduce foreign military presence, particularly amid domestic political vulnerabilities linked with Iranian influence.
In summary, the agreement to conclude the U.S. military mission in Iraq signifies a pivotal shift in American foreign policy, reflecting both the long-standing desire of Iraqi officials for sovereignty over their national security and the evolving geopolitical landscape influenced by regional conflicts. Although the U.S. will maintain a presence in some capacity, this development underscores a transition toward a bilateral security partnership, while the complexities of domestic politics in Iraq and regional tensions with Iran continue to shape future U.S. involvement.
Original Source: apnews.com
