U.S. Forces Complete Withdrawal From Iraq After Two Decades
· World · The Hindu, Reuters
U.S. forces are withdrawing from their final bases in Iraq by September 30, 2026, concluding more than two decades of military presence in the country. The departure follows an agreement reached in 2024 under then-President Joe Biden and executed by Donald Trump's administration. While popular among many Iraqis, security analysts warn the withdrawal could grant Iran and its allied militias free rein while allowing groups like Islamic State to resurge. Iran and its regional allies have celebrated the exit as a major victory. The exact political and security fallout for Iraq remains to be seen.
Why it matters
The complete U.S. military exit removes a key strategic counterweight to Iranian influence in Iraq, altering the regional security balance for local militias and international actors.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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