Staying or leaving is America’s issue in Iraq.
Staying or leaving is America’s issue in Iraq.
The issue of the presence of American military in Iraq within the framework of the international coalition against terrorism has been a topic of extensive discussions among the Shia political forces in Iraq. Two members of the coordination framework told Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed that America’s presence may contribute to stability in Iraq. Baghdad and Washington reached an agreement in early September of this year to end the international coalition’s mission by late September 2025, and the end of the coalition’s activities in Syria was also set for September 2026.
Two members of the coordination framework in the Iraqi parliament mentioned a plan to review Iraq’s situation and its foreign policy in light of recent developments in the region and the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria. Among these issues is the end of America’s military presence. One of these two Iraqi parliament members stated that considering the tensions in the region, it must be acknowledged that America’s presence may be a stabilizing factor in Iraq and beyond in its politically and security turbulent environment.
Another representative of the Iraqi Parliament emphasized that the United States has prevented the Zionist regime from attacking Iraq and practically Washington has control over Iraqi airspace. He added that there are currently negotiations regarding the extension of the coalition forces’ presence or their departure by late 2025, but unresolved issues remain. Just as the new US government’s approach to Iraq and regional issues is not clear yet. This Iraqi Parliament representative stated that the presence of the US in Iraq may be a significant obstacle to Zionist regime attacks on regional countries after Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
He pointed out that Iraq is concerned about the consequences of the situation in Syria and its impact on Iraq, as well as the issue of ISIS and its resurgence. According to Middle East News, this Iraqi Parliament representative stressed that some factions within the government and coordination framework are inclined to extend the international coalition presence until stability is achieved in the entire region. On the other hand, Aqil al-Rudaini, the spokesman for the Nasr Coalition under Haider al-Abadi’s leadership, one of the leaders of the coordination framework, said that the surrounding conditions of Iraq, especially after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria, are unstable and this issue is a concern for Iraq.
He stated that the issue of extending the presence of international coalition forces has not been officially raised so far, but it is very likely that new understandings between Baghdad and Washington regarding the future of the international coalition may take shape amid recent regional developments. The spokesperson for the Nasr Coalition mentioned that the possibility of extending the presence of the international coalition in Iraq exists and this issue is currently related to imminent developments in the region.
Al-Redini stated that if Iraq makes such a decision, it will be based on Iraq’s supreme interests and will receive political support. He added that even armed groups also consider Iraq’s interests, and when the government decides to extend the mission of the international coalition in Iraq, there will definitely be opponents, but the government’s decision takes precedence.
On the other hand, researcher Nazar Haider, an Iraqi residing in Washington, said that in the past weeks, Iraq has requested protection from the United States against the consequences of the situation in Syria for its security. This means that Iraq practically needs international coalition protection against potential risks. This is evidence that the power Iraq possesses under various official titles is not sufficient. He also stated that it is Iraq’s right to request the extension of the mission of US forces based on previous agreements between the two countries. When Iraq deems this necessary for any reason and decides to take this action, ultimately this decision returns to the government.
Haider suggested that Iraq may request the extension of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq during the next phase and after regional developments, especially considering that Iraq believes this presence is a necessary security and military measure. It can protect Iraq from Zionist regime attacks in the future.
On the other hand, Ehsan Al-Shammari, the head of the Center for Political Thought Research in Baghdad, said that the US withdrawal from Iraq is not on the table and is part of a maneuver. The US has told the Iraqi government that there is no withdrawal from Iraq, but the issue may be reviewed through bilateral agreements. He explained that the delay in ending the international coalition’s mission, more related to Iraq’s concerns rather than the US, as Iraq wants the international coalition to remain in Iraq due to regional circumstances, especially in Syria.
Al-Shammari stated that if Iraq seeks an extension of the international coalition’s presence, it is due to the rise of armed groups in Syria, which the Sudanese government has described as terrorist groups. Therefore, the presence of the international coalition largely prevents security disturbances in Iraq.
He said that the coordination framework believes that the coalition’s stay in Iraq and the lack of a request for the withdrawal of its forces may significantly delay the widespread attacks of the Zionist regime against armed groups, as the US has succeeded in delaying these attacks rather than canceling them.
