Talks on the Future of US Military Presence in Iraq Anticipated between US and Iraqi Governments
TL/DR –
The US and Iraq are preparing for discussions on the future of the US military presence in Iraq, following public calls from the Iraqi government for troops to withdraw. The discussions will involve a higher military commission, agreed upon last summer, and will focus on the next steps for the anti-ISIS coalition. This conversation has gained urgency amid growing regional instability and after the US launched airstrikes in Iraq, targeting Iran-backed militants who have been attacking US personnel.
CNN
—
Discussing the future of the US military in Iraq
The US and Iraq are preparing for talks on the US military presence in Iraq, according to sources. Amidst public pressure from Iraq for the US to withdraw troops, these talks have gained urgency.
Last summer, the US and Iraq agreed to establish a military commission for these talks, says the Pentagon. The focus will be on the next phase of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, and US military officials and diplomats will join the discussions.
Context of the negotiation
These discussions have become more urgent due to regional instability and Iraq’s request for US troop withdrawal. This follows the US launching airstrikes within Iraq targeting Iran-backed militants.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the military commission launches soon. The commission, he said, aims to evolve the D-ISIS Coalition mission to ensure that ISIS can’t resurge.
Currently, roughly 2,500 US troops operate in Iraq in an advisory capacity since the US military ended its combat role in Iraq last December.
An end to US military presence in Iraq?
The talks will also address if and when it will be feasible to end the US military presence in Iraq. The US prefers a conditional schedule, but some Iraqis prefer setting a withdrawal date irrespective of the country’s stability.
No set deadline exists for these higher military commission discussions, or their ultimate outcome. However, a US official revealed to CNN that the US and Iraq are close to initiating the Higher Military Commission dialogue announced last August.
“The HMC is an opportunity to jointly evaluate conditions for the future of the D-ISIS fight in Iraq and shape the bilateral security relationship,” the official said. The US retains the full right of self-defense during the talks.
The US and Iraq agreed to start talks on the US military presence last year, prior to the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, which sparked wider regional tensions and empowered Iran-backed groups in Iraq and across the Middle East.
The US also maintains a presence in Syria to combat ISIS, but senior US officials told CNN that a withdrawal from Syria is not under consideration.
—
Read More US Political News