US Forces Exit Iraq Amid Rising Fears Of ISIS Resurgence
US forces have completed their withdrawal from Iraq, raising concerns about a potential security vacuum and a resurgence of ISIS. The move is viewed by Iran as a strategic victory for its regional influence, despite ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Why it matters
The withdrawal marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, potentially altering the balance of power and regional security dynamics.
US forces withdraw from their remaining bases in Iraq on Wednesday, raising fears they will leave behind a security vacuum, further embolden Iranian-backed militias and give the resurgent Islamic State group an opening to regroup.The departure, celebrated as a victory by Tehran and its allies, was agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden and carried out by Donald Trump's administration even as it wages war against Iran, which wields influence in Iraq through proxies.It comes 23 years after US-led forces toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, then triggered upheaval and chaos, culminating with the rise of Islamic State.While the departure of US forces is broadly popular among Iraqis, some worry that security forces trained and funded by the United States still can't protect the country, where 4,500 American forces died in more than 20 years of war."The lesson from the past two decades is that security vacuums can be extremely dangerous," said…
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