American forces are set to leave their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday. This withdrawal is viewed as a victory for Iran and its allies, who now have deep influence in the country, where 4,500 Americans lost their lives over two decades of war.
Security Analyses in Iraq
Iraqi security experts believe that this withdrawal, agreed upon in 2024 under President Joe Biden and executed during Donald Trump's administration, may give Tehran and its powerful allies more freedom of action. Additionally, this move could facilitate the return of other enemies of the U.S., including the Islamic State group.
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Jassem Al-Bahdali, an Iraqi security analyst, stated that Iran-backed militia groups will not only present this withdrawal as a victory for their movement but will also seek to convert this momentum into greater influence over security and political decision-making.
Concerns About the Impact of Withdrawal
Abu Mujtaba Al-Yasiri, one of the commanders of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, described the withdrawal of American forces as a historic victory for Iraqi Islamic resistance groups and honorable Iraqis, considering it a defeat for the American project.
While the final withdrawal of American forces is generally popular among Iraqis, some are concerned about the power of Iran-backed groups and believe that this withdrawal is premature. Abdul Rahman Al-Zubaie, a Sunni tribal leader in Fallujah, stated that Iraq is not yet fully prepared to take on security responsibilities.
He added, "All Iraqis hope for full sovereignty, but the coalition leaving in this manner and creating a vacuum is something that all Iraqis fear."
American forces invaded Iraq in 2003 to overthrow the regime of Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein and were stationed in the country for several years. After a withdrawal period at the end of 2011, they returned to Iraq less than three years later to assist Iraqi forces in the fight against the terrorist group ISIS.
Iran, which sees its ultimate goal as driving American forces out of the entire Middle East, views the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq as a victory for its "resistance axis." Furthermore, Iranian officials emphasize that sustainable security in Iraq will be established with the departure of American forces from the country.
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