US, Iraq agree to new roadmap for future American military presence on the ground
The US and Iraq have agreed on a “new phase” to their security relationship and to alter the decadelong coalition to defeat ISIS, which would pave the way for American troops to reduce their footprint from the country first invaded to topple Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Top US and Iraqi military and defense officials met in Washington over the last week to hash out an agreement or a roadmap that would give Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani a so-called win on the political front at home.
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin met with his Iraqi counterpart on Tuesday to discuss a bilateral defense relationship and ways to strengthen the bilateral strategic relationship, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
During a meeting between the Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown and his Iraqi counterpart on Monday, the two expressed a mutual commitment to a secure, stable Iraq and Middle East.
“The US and Iraq share a strong security partnership and continue to work alongside the Global Coalition to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS,” Joint Staff Spokesman Jereal Dorsey said.
Iraq was calling for US troops to leave the country by 2025, requesting the withdrawal to start as early as this year, sources familiar with the discussions told Al Arabiya English on Tuesday.
A joint statement by the US and Iraq released on Wednesday did not mention any timelines, but said: “In support of Iraq’s sovereignty and security, the delegations reaffirmed that the advisory mission is present in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to support the Iraqi security forces in fighting against ISIS and to support and develop the Iraqi security forces, including the Kurdish Security Forces. The Iraqi representatives reaffirmed its absolute commitment to protect personnel, advisors, convoys, and diplomatic facilities of the United States and international Coalition nations.”
The joint statement also said both sides confirmed the importance of Iraq continuing to provide support to Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS “in Syria and around the world,” while they agreed on the importance of continued cooperation to ensure the sustainability of US-origin military equipment used by the Iraqi Security Forces.
During his meeting Tuesday, Secretary Austin said that efforts were being undertaken to shape “the parameters to make the transition of Operation Inherent Resolve into enduring security partnerships among Iraq, the United States and other coalition countries.”
Observers and analysts saw this as a sign that Washington would rename its troop presence, once again, to maintain some presence on the ground. The US is still concerned that the ISIS threat is real and even increasing, but it always sees a troop presence as a way to push back against Iran’s long-stated goal of pushing out all US forces from the region.
“The threat from [ISIS] and its ideology has evolved over the past decade,” Austin said. “Yet, [ISIS] continues to plot attacks … from the region and through its global affiliates. So, we must adapt the mission of Inherent Resolve to meet this changing threat.”
Some Iraqi politicians, primarily members of pro-Iran blocs, have been demanding a complete US withdrawal. While US troops are in the country at the invitation of Baghdad, Iran-backed groups and lawmakers have claimed the American boots on the ground were a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
On Tuesday, Austin told Iraq’s defense minister: “We remain deeply committed to … Iraq’s sovereignty, security and stability.”
