From Foreign Policy · Alexandra Sharp · · 1m 50s
U.S. Withdrawal Leaves Iraq Power Vacuum
U.S. troops exit Iraq as Iran and Islamic State exploit the power vacuum.
In brief
U.S. troops exit Iraq as Iran and Islamic State exploit the power vacuum. U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq creates instability as Iran and Islamic State groups gain influence. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
U.S. Withdrawal
U.s. forces finally left iraq on september 30, 2026, marking the end of the u.s.-led coalition's military presence.
Iraqi Celebration
iraki civilians celebrated u.s. withdrawal after blaming years of instability on foreign military presence.
Historical Context
u.s. troops invaded iraq in 2003 to oust saddam hussein and remained until 2011 to support shiite-led government.
Recent U.S. Involvement
u.s. forces returned in 2024 to fight islamic state and agreed to withdraw by september 2025.
Extended Presence
iraq allowed u.s. advisors and security personnel to remain beyond september 2025 due to developments in neighboring syria.
Security Threats
pro-iran paramilitary groups in iraq have claimed responsibility for repeated strikes on u.s. troops and a drone attack on saudi arabia’s east-west pipeline.
Iran War Impact
of the 18 u.s. service members killed since the iran war began in february, seven died in iraq.
Expert Warning
retired iraqi army gen. mohamed al-jubouri warned iraq’s security institutions lack a viable plan b for post-coalition phase.
Local Concerns
a sunni tribal leader in fallujah said iraq is not ready to take over security at this time.
U.S. Military Shake-Up
defense secretary pete hegseth plans to cut reserved positions for generals and admirals by 20 percent.
Military Cuts Impact
the cuts would affect around 800 individuals across one to four-star ranks and are criticized as a strategy to sideline experienced commanders.
Power Vacuum Risk
u.s. adversaries are likely to take advantage of the power vacuum left by u.s. withdrawal.
The big picture
U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq creates instability as Iran and Islamic State groups gain influence.
