US Forces Complete Withdrawal from Iraq, Sparking Security Concerns
US forces leave Iraq after 23 years, raising fears of security gaps and rising threats from Islamic State and Iranian-backed groups.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — American military personnel have completed their final exit from Iraq, marking the end of a 23-year presence that has shaped the country’s political and security landscape. The move has sparked concerns about potential instability as regional actors and militant groups assess the new geopolitical environment.
The decision to withdraw was initially approved under President Joe Biden in 2024 but was carried out during the Trump administration, even as the U.S. engaged in conflict with Iran. This transition has been seen by some as a strategic shift, though it has raised alarms among analysts and officials about the long-term implications for Iraq’s stability.
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Since the 2003 invasion, U.S. forces have played a central role in shaping Iraq’s security structure, training local troops and providing critical intelligence. However, many believe the Iraqi government is still not fully equipped to manage internal and external threats. Analysts warn that the absence of a strong Western military presence could embolden Iranian-backed militias and allow remnants of the Islamic State to regroup.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
