Title: United States and Iraq Initiate Talks on Future of Foreign Troops amid Rising Tensions
In a significant move towards shaping the future military presence in Iraq, the United States and Iraq have commenced discussions, marking the first round of talks between the two nations. Held in Baghdad, the talks involved top-ranking officials from both sides and focused on the potential withdrawal of US and foreign troops from Iraqi soil.
These discussions are expected to establish a timeline aimed at reducing the presence of foreign troops in the country. Currently, the coalition, which was formed in 2014 to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), has about 2,500 US troops stationed in Iraq.
The United States is keen on establishing a committee to negotiate the terms surrounding the end of the mission. This issue has been a subject of discussion since last year. Over the past few years, American forces in both Iraq and Syria have faced frequent attacks from Iran-allied groups, leading to retaliatory measures by the US. Consequently, these incidents have generated complaints from Iraqi officials, accusing the US of “aggression”.
Calls for the withdrawal of coalition forces in Iraq have grown louder among Iraqis, particularly after a US airstrike in January 2020 that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The incident heightened tensions between the United States and Iraq and triggered demands for the departure of foreign forces from Iraqi soil.
Following these talks, Washington and Baghdad have reached an agreement to launch expert working groups. These groups will conduct an investigation into the level of threat posed by ISIL and bolster Iraqi security forces. As part of the discussions, the size and scope of the US military footprint in Iraq will also be addressed.
While the decision to discuss troop withdrawal had been made prior to recent events, ISIL opportunistically claimed credit for the talks and has vowed to continue its attacks. The terrorist organization still poses a threat despite significant losses in recent years, and the ongoing discussions aim to mitigate any potential security vacuum that may arise as foreign troops reduce their presence in Iraq.
As talks progress, the outcome will shape the future relationship between the United States and Iraq, as well as the security dynamics in the region. Both sides are eager to reach a mutually agreed-upon plan that meets their respective security concerns, while ensuring stability in Iraq in the face of persistent terrorist threats.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”