After more than two decades of war, Iraq has celebrated the withdrawal of American forces from the country. This withdrawal, which marks the end of America's largest war in the 21st century, has also raised concerns about the creation of a security vacuum and the increasing power of Iran-affiliated militia groups.
Celebration and Concerns in Iraq
The withdrawal of the last American forces, primarily from Erbil Air Base in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, has concluded a war that has impacted Iraq and from which it has not fully recovered. While many Iraqis are happy about this withdrawal, some are concerned that this situation may lead to the increased power of Iran-affiliated militia groups and the return of ISIS.
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Ahmad Salah, a 70-year-old citizen of Baghdad, said: "The withdrawal of American forces makes our hearts happy, but now it is time for the powerful militia groups to lay down their weapons and for the government to take responsibility for our protection."
Consequences of the Withdrawal of American Forces
This withdrawal, which was agreed upon in 2024 under President Joe Biden and implemented by the administration of Donald Trump, is widely viewed as a victory for Tehran and its allies in the region. Iraqi analysts warn that this situation could lead to the increased power of Iran-affiliated groups as well as the return of ISIS.
Ali Faleh al-Zaydi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, stated: "The end of the international coalition's mission does not mean the end of our fight against terrorism, but rather signifies Iraq's transition to a stage where it takes full responsibility for its own security and stability."
However, some Iraqi analysts and security experts have expressed concerns about the ability of the country's security forces to maintain security. Jassim al-Bahdli, an Iraqi analyst, said: "The lessons of the past two decades show that security vacuums can be very dangerous."
Continued American intelligence and training support for Iraqi forces, especially in a situation where ISIS remains a real threat, will be vital. Additionally, some Iraqi security officials warn that this withdrawal could lead to the resurgence of ISIS.
Ultimately, the main question is whether Iraq's security institutions have prepared a viable plan for the post-withdrawal phase of the international coalition. General Mohammed al-Jubouri, a former commander of the Iraqi army, warns that the worst-case scenario could involve ISIS acquiring armed drones.
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