Iraq May Delay US Troop Withdrawal Due To Syria

There are an increasing number of articles coming out of Iraq that the ruling Coordination Framework may ask for U.S. troops to stay longer rather than demanding their withdrawal due to the recent events in Syria.

 

Al Rafidain, Iraqi News, Al Aalem and Al Mada have all reported that Baghdad is thinking about extending the stay of American soldiers in the country. That is because Iraq is concerned about what is happening in Syria after the fall of Assad. There are worries that the Islamic State may move across the border or that Syria will fall into chaos. The U.S. can provide military support if either of those scenarios or something else occurs.

 

This is a huge change because previously pro-Iran parties were demanding that the Americans leave the country immediately. In September an agreement was announced for the International Coalition to leave Baghdad by September 2025 with a residual force staying in Kurdistan and then for all foreign troops to be out by September 2026.

 

Another issue is the incoming Trump administration. While he has voiced opposition to what he calls forever wars like in Iraq he also refused to withdraw claiming that Iraq owed Washington for the invasion and occupation and wanted some sort of payment. Many in his foreign policy circle also want to take a hardline position on Iran and would probably like to maintain a presence in Iraq as a result.

 

Iraq’s ruling parties will likely be discussing this issue as long as the situation in Syria remains unclear.

 

SOURCES

 

Al Aalem, “Washington Post: Iraqi-American understanding on “forces remaining” and coordination threatens,” 12/25/24

 

Al Mada, “Baghdad may backtrack on decision to withdraw US forces: a token of reconciliation with Trump!” 12/25/24

 

Mahmoud, Sinan Watkins, Thomas, “US to pull troops from parts of Iraq but some will remain for years to come,” The National, 9/28/24

 

Al Rafidain, “Political sources: There is a review regarding the issue of ending the American military presence in Iraq,” 12/28/24

 

Salem, Amr, “First phase of US forces withdrawal from Iraq ends in 2025,” Iraqi News, 11/10/24

- “Iraq may request to extend US troops stay,” Iraqi News, 12/26/24