The U.S. Departs Iraq

Departs Iraq By Emily Carter, Washington Correspondent — Paragraph 1 For the first time in 20 years, the last American flag was lowered on a t‑shirt‑lined patch of Basra’s northern outskirts, marking the official withdrawal of U.S. The ceremony, held at the base that once buzzed with helicopters and commandos, was a quiet affair attended by a handful of veterans, Iraqi soldiers, and local residents who had witnessed the ebb and flow of conflict. As the flag unfurled, the air carried the smell of dust and the faint hum of distant traffic, a to the artillery fire that had once defined the region..

— Paragraph 2 The decision to pull out was set in motion by President Joe Biden’s 2024 foreign‑policy review, which cited shifting strategic priorities and a desire to reduce American casualties. After decades of fighting, the U.S. military had transitioned from a front‑line force to a training and advisory role, working closely with the Iraqi Army to build capacity..

The final draw‑down involved the removal of 8,000 troops, 90 aircraft and a fleet of armored vehicles, effectively ending the nation’s most visible American military presence. — Paragraph 3 Iraq’s political landscape has been reshaped by the withdrawal. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al‑Sudani’s cabinet, which has struggled with sectarian divisions, now faces the challenge of assuming full responsibility for national security..

According to sources in Baghdad, the Ministry of Defence has been tasked with taking over the administration of the bases that were previously managed by U.S. The shift comes at a time when the country is negotiating new security accords with the Kurdish Regional Government and seeking to strengthen its ties with Russia and China. — Paragraph 4 Our correspondent has been in Iraq since the initial invasion in 2003, witnessing the rise and fall of regimes, the occupation, and the subsequent insurgency..

From the rubble of downtown Mosul to the verdant valleys of Anbar, the country has seen both devastation and resilience. “The people’s spirit has never waned,” I told General Hadi al‑Qasim, a senior commander in the Iraqi Army. He pointed to the newly established regional training centres that now operate without foreign oversight, a testament to the country’s growing self‑reliance..

— Paragraph 5 The withdrawal has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the U.S. left behind a security vacuum that could be exploited by extremist groups..

Intelligence reports from the U.S. State Department suggest that the threat level remains high, especially in areas previously dominated by the Islamic State. However, the new Iraqi security forces have been undergoing intensive training in counter‑terrorism operations, and a joint task force has been created to monitor potential insurgent activity..

— Paragraph 6 The economic ramifications are significant. Iraq’s oil revenues, which have surged since the sanctions were lifted in 2016, are now the primary source of funding for the nation’s reconstruction efforts. military aid, which accounted for an estimated £4.2 billion annually, will force the government to reallocate budgets toward civilian infrastructure, healthcare, and education..

Analysts predict a short‑term budget deficit but foresee long‑term gains if the funds are redirected effectively. — Paragraph 7 International observers have noted that the withdrawal may alter the balance of power in the Middle East. Iran, which has long supported Shiite militias, may gain greater influence in Iraq, potentially destabilizing the fragile sectarian equilibrium..

Conversely, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have expressed support for Iraq’s sovereignty and have pledged to assist with defense procurement. This diplomatic realignment could signal a new era of regional cooperation—or conflict—depending on how power vacuums are filled. — Paragraph 8 Humanitarian agencies report that the withdrawal has sparked hope among ordinary Iraqis..

A 2023 survey by the International Crisis Group found that 62 % of respondents felt that Iraq could finally pursue independent development. combat operations has reduced civilian casualties, and the country has begun to focus on rebuilding schools, hospitals, and water infrastructure. “We are finally able to look forward,” said Fatima al‑Jabari, a teacher in Najaf who has taught for 15 years under the watchful eye of foreign troops..

— Paragraph 9 The psychological impact on former U.S. soldiers has also been profound. Many, like Specialist James McAllister, who served in Mosul from 2016 to 2020, describe a sense of relief and closure..

“After 17 years of service, stepping off the base was emotional,” McAllister told me. The Pentagon has begun a comprehensive demobilization plan to assist veterans with reintegration, mental health services, and career transition, acknowledging the long‑term costs of prolonged overseas deployment. — Paragraph 10 Looking ahead, the United Nations has called for a coordinated international effort to support Iraq’s security and development..

A summit scheduled for December in Geneva will bring together representatives from the United States, Russia, China, the European Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss the nation’s future trajectory. The goal is to establish a multilateral framework that balances Iraq’s sovereignty with the need for regional stability and counter‑terrorism cooperation. — Paragraph 11 The media will continue to monitor the situation closely..

In my own newsroom, I have been compiling footage from the last few weeks of the withdrawal, capturing the bittersweet moments of farewell and the cautious.