Article Summary
The US and Iraq are expected to start talks on the future of the US military presence in Iraq. The discussions will focus on the next phase of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, with US military officials and diplomats involved. The talks have taken on a greater urgency due to regional instability and growing calls by the Iraqi government for US troops to withdraw, in response to US airstrikes in Iraq targeting Iran-backed militants. The US currently has approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq, which have been operating in an advisory capacity since December 2021. The discussions will also consider whether and when it would be feasible to end the US military presence in Iraq.
US and Iraq to Discuss Future Military Presence in Iraq
The US and Iraq are set to commence discussions about the future of the US military presence in Iraq, sources reveal. Following public appeals from the Iraqi government for US troops to withdraw, there is a heightened urgency for these talks.
These two nations agreed to establish a high-level military commission last summer, according to the Pentagon. The talks will center on the next phase of the US-led anti-ISIS operation, with officials and diplomats from both sides participating.
The urgency surrounding these discussions has been increased due to regional instability and increased calls from the Iraqi government for US troops to leave. This response was triggered by the US launching airstrikes within Iraq targeting Iran-backed militants attacking US personnel.
There are approximately 2,500 troops currently stationed in Iraq, operating in an advisory capacity since December 2021. This role began when the US military announced the conclusion of its combat role.
Key points of the discussion will be the feasibility and timeline of ending the US military presence in Iraq. While the US favors a condition-based schedule, some Iraqi government factions prefer a time-based one, irrespective of the country’s stability or security.
Following recent US strikes, the prime minister’s spokesperson stated that these actions undermine ongoing joint efforts to reshape bilateral relations. The US and Iraq had agreed to commence talks before the escalating regional tensions resulting from the Hamas attack on Israel.
Despite this, the Pentagon maintains that the Iraqi government hasn’t formally requested a US military withdrawal. There’s no set conclusion date for the military commission discussions or their ultimate outcome.
While there are hints of potential changes in the US force posture in Iraq, the US presence in Syria to battle ISIS remains unaffected. “The Biden administration is not considering a withdrawal of forces from Syria,” a senior US official confirmed.
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