Iraqi Prime Minister Announces Imminent US Troop Withdrawal: A Victory for Tehran's Policy
In a significant political shift, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has declared that there is no longer a need for US forces in Iraq, citing the successful defeat of the Islamic State as a key reason. This announcement comes shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Iraq, which has been interpreted by Iranian circles as a major victory for Tehran's influence in the region. Al-Sudani's statement aligns with a longstanding resolution passed by the Iraqi parliament in 2020 that mandates the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, particularly in light of the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by US forces.
The Prime Minister's remarks, made during an interview with Bloomberg TV, indicate that a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops will be announced soon. This development coincides with a recent agreement between Baghdad and Washington regarding the phased withdrawal of international coalition forces over the next two years. Political analyst Mahdi Azizi highlights that the discussions held during Pezeshkian's visit have played a crucial role in unifying various Iraqi political factions around the idea of expelling US troops.
Azizi argues that the withdrawal of American forces will enhance Iraq's political stability by eliminating the need for local resistance factions to target US military bases. He also notes that the Iranian delegation's visit helped ease tensions between Shiite and Kurdish political groups, further facilitating the announcement of the withdrawal schedule.
Military researcher Mohammad Mahdi Yazdi emphasizes that the presence of foreign troops undermines Iraq's sovereignty and military prestige. He views the decision to withdraw US forces as a significant step towards strengthening Iraq's national security and reducing reliance on foreign military support. Yazdi also points out the historical consequences of US military interventions in the region, suggesting that Iraq and its people stand to gain the most from this withdrawal, with Iran being the second beneficiary.
As Iraq moves towards a future without US military presence, there are concerns that some regional and Western entities may attempt to destabilize the situation to justify a continued American presence. However, Yazdi asserts that the departure of US troops will empower local resistance groups and could provoke anxiety in Israel, which relies on US support in the region.
