Iraq May Ask The US-Led Coalition To Leave

(Reuters)

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani recently called for all Coalition forces in Iraq to leave. That came after the Biden Administration carried out its second retaliatory attack upon pro-Iran groups. The questions is whether the premier is serious about this statement or is just trying to appease the militant elements of his government.

 

On December 28 PM Sudani said he would move towards ending the anti-Islamic State Coalition presence in Iraq. Many members of the Coordination Framework that made Sudani premier have been calling for the U.S. and its allies to leave the country for years. It’s also been reported that Sudani promised to remove the Americans as part of the negotiations to form his government.

 

This came after the Biden administration carried out its second retaliatory assault upon pro-Iran Hashd forces for their attacks upon US troops in Iraq. After 3 US soldiers were wounded in a drone strike upon Irbil Airport the White House ordered that Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba be hit in Babil and Wasit. 1 Iraqi militiaman was killed and 8 more were wounded along with 8 police cadets, 2 police and 2 civilians.

 

In turn the armed factions have become increasingly critical of Sudani. Kataib Hezbollah’s leader Abu Ali Al-Askari for instance accused the prime minister of approving U.S. attacks upon the Hashd and the Americans continued presence in Iraq.

 

The question now is whether the prime minister is serious about his statement or is just playing politics. Back in January 2020 Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi made similar remarks after the Trump administration killed Iranian Quds Force commander General Qasim Suleimani and his ally Hashd leader Abu Muhandis. The Iraqi parliament even passed a resolution calling for an American withdrawal but it was non-binding and had no legal standing. Sudani could be following the same script to appease the pro-Iran elements in his government so they don’t escalate things and start calling for his removal. On the other hand he could be serious and fulfilling the long term goals of his allies. How the confrontation plays out between the U.S. and the Tehran aligned groups will likely determine his position.

 

SOURCES

 

Al Aalem, “The factional war with Washington reaches the cities … and Baghdad is embarrassed,” 12/27/23

 

Agence France Presse, "US strikes in Iraq leave one dead and 24 injured," 12/26/23

 

Hjelmgaard, Kim, “Iraq votes to expel U.S. troops after Iran Ge. Qasem Soleimani’s killing,” USA Today, 1/5/20

 

Al Hurra, “After Al-Sudani’s statements .. Is Iraq able to abandon the international coalition?” 12/28/23

 

Al Mada, “The night of the bombing of the American embassy … factions retreat and attempt to implicate the Sadrists,” 12/11/23

 

Al Rafidain, “Al-Abadi’s Coalition: Al-Sudani Obtained The Framework’s Authorization To Pursue Those Targeting The American Embassy,” 12/11/23

 

Al Sumaria, “Kataib Hezbollah is dissatisfied with the government’s positions towards the American attacks,” 12/26/23