Iraq between the quest to end US military presence and fear of Iran-backed militia dominance

In the wake of recent parliamentary elections, Iraq's next government must walk a treacherous political tightrope in the quest to balance popular sentiment calling for the end of a US military presence in the country and the possibility of expanded Iranian influence in their absence, with pro-Iran factions having achieved considerable success in the vote.

Baxtiyar Goran

Opinion

US to maintain small contingent of military advisors in Iraq: PM Sudani

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said that a residual presence of US between 250 and 350 advisors will remain in Anbar province's Ain al-Asad base owing to "developments in Syria."

News

Iraq at a crossroads as US accelerates troop withdrawal

The US has fast-tracked its troop withdrawal from key Iraqi bases, including Ain al-Asad and Victoria, while repositioning some forces to Erbil and neighboring countries, with experts raising fears of a security vacuum in their absence

Features

US military withdrawal from Iraq: Experts mull ISIS resurgence fears

WIth US forces set to depart from federal Iraqi territory this year and from the Kurdistan Region by September 2026, experts mull the possibility of a resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Sunni-majority population centers, citing a lack of US air support and Sunni political disenchantment, while others dismiss the possibility.

News

Iraqi PM Sudani meets CENTCOM leader amid US troop drawdown

The US-led coalition is winding down its military mission in Iraq, with about 2,500 troops remaining to provide training and support. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al‑Sudani met with US Central Command’s new leader, Admiral Brad Cooper, to discuss security cooperation, reaffirm progress against terrorism, and review commitments under a 2024 agreement.

News

Is the US military withdrawing from Iraq? It is not, and it should not

Amid talk of the US military's planned withdrawal from Iraq, with American personnel scheduled to leave federal Iraqi territory by September 2025 and to depart from the Kurdistan Region by September 2026, a residual troop presence would offer a guarantor of the country's security and stability amid ongoing regional turmoil.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion