Context
The United States has completed the withdrawal of its remaining troops from Iraq, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The withdrawal raises questions about Iraq’s security, the residual threat from the Islamic State (IS) and the influence of Iran-backed Shia militias.
Explanation
- The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 overthrew Saddam Hussein and dismantled much of the existing Iraqi state structure.
- U.S. combat forces initially withdrew in 2011, but returned in 2014 after the rapid territorial expansion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
- The U.S.-led coalition supported Iraqi forces through training, intelligence and counter-terrorism operations.
- Iran expanded its influence after 2003 through political links and support for several Shia armed groups.
- Many such groups operate within or alongside the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF/Hashd al-Shaabi) framework.
- Iraq occupies a strategically important position between Iran, the Gulf region, Türkiye and the Levant.
- Key post-withdrawal concerns include ISIS remnants, militia disarmament, Iraqi sovereignty and regional balance of power.
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U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Iraq