US Completes Iraq Withdrawal After Two Decades, Handing Strategic Win to Iran
By Wednesday, U.S. troops are scheduled to vacate their final bases in Iraq, marking the conclusion of over twenty years of conflict that resulted in the deaths of 4,500 Americans. This withdrawal, which was established in 2024 under President Joe Biden, is being executed by Donald Trump's administration amid ongoing hostilities with Iran. Experts in Iraqi security warn that this exit may empower Tehran and its influential allies, potentially allowing other adversaries of the U.S., such as Islamic State, to regain strength. Jasim al-Bahadli, an analyst focused on armed Shiite factions linked to Iran, noted that the withdrawal could strategically favor Iran by eliminating a military counterbalance to its influence in Iraq, enabling pro-Iranian militias to claim victory and increase their sway over security and political matters.
Key facts
- US forces are set to pull out from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday.
- The withdrawal ends more than two decades of war in which 4,500 Americans died.
- The withdrawal was agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden.
- It is being carried out by Donald Trump's administration even as it wages war against Iran.
- Iraqi security experts say the withdrawal could give Tehran and its allies free rein.
- Other US enemies, including Islamic State, could stage a comeback.
- Jasim al-Bahadli is an Iraqi security analyst specialising in studying armed Shiite groups aligned with Iran.
- Al-Bahadli predicted pro-Iranian militia groups would seek greater influence over security and political decision-making.
Entities
Artists
- Joe Biden
- Donald Trump
- Jasim al-Bahadli
Institutions
- Islamic State
Locations
- Iraq
- Iran
- United States
- Washington