Iraq After the US Military Departure: Implications for Iraq and the Region

The United States withdrew its troops from Iraq on September 30, ending Operation Inherent Resolve and the second major phase of US military deployment to Iraq since 2003. The departure comes as the Islamic State (ISIS) has shown signs of increased activity. After US forces left in 2011, the precursor to ISIS—the Islamic State of Iraq—exploited sectarian tensions and security gaps, eventually enabling it to seize nearly a third of the country in 2014 .

 

Circumstances are different today: Iraqi security forces are more capable, organized, and equipped, while counter-ISIS cooperation with the United States and coalition partners is expected to continue. The US-led counter-ISIS task force remains operational and is now headquartered in Jordan. The withdrawal also comes amid significant regional turmoil, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States (and Israel), as well as efforts to address the role and weapons of Iran-backed armed factions in Iraq.

 

FPRI’s Mohammed A. Salih will be joined by David Schenker and Ahmed Ali to examine the implications of the US military departure, Iraq’s capacity to manage domestic and regional security challenges, and the future of US-Iraq relations.