Key Takeaways
- US forces are set to leave their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday.
- Iraqi security experts predict Iran and its allies will gain more influence.
- The withdrawal is seen as a victory for Iran and a defeat for the US project.
US forces are scheduled to vacate their final bases in Iraq by Wednesday, marking the end of a two-decade military presence. This withdrawal is celebrated by Iran and its allies, who now have a significant presence in the country.
Jasim al-Bahadli, an Iraqi security analyst, stated that the coalition's departure removes a military counterweight to Tehran's influence, allowing Iran and its allies to gain greater control over Iraq’s security and political decision-making.
Abu Mojtaba al-Yasiri, a commander in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, described the US withdrawal as a 'historic victory' for Iraqi resistance groups and a 'crushing defeat' for the American project. He emphasized that the departure would be seen as a victory by these groups and would translate into greater influence.
The withdrawal is seen as a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of Iraq, with the country now being the only one maintaining close alliances with both the United States and Iran. This complex relationship has been marked by tensions, including the killing of Qasem Soleimani by the US in 2020 and repeated attacks on US bases by Iran-backed groups.
While the eventual departure is broadly popular among Iraqis, some are concerned about the readiness of the Iraqi security forces to take over the security file. Abdulrahman al-Zobaie, a former bastion of anti-American resistance, warned that the withdrawal could create a vacuum, which all Iraqis fear.
The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein and the subsequent occupation until 2011 resulted in significant casualties, with around 4,500 American service members losing their lives during the conflict. The withdrawal is seen as a turning point in Iraq's history, with the country now asserting its sovereignty.
In recent years, Iraq has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, with US forces frequently engaging in strikes against Iran-backed groups. The last US service member killed in Iraq was an army sergeant who died during the controlled detonation of a drone.
The US military has warned Iran over alleged involvement in Iraq unrest, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The withdrawal of US forces is expected to leave a power vacuum that Iran and its allies are poised to fill.
On September 30, we will celebrate the turning of a black page in Iraq’s history and the failure of the occupation to impose its will on our country.
Abu Mojtaba al-Yasiri, Commander in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq
