America Exits Iraq, The Third Time

After a 12-year mission to eliminate the jihadist Islamic State in Iraq, the United States officially withdrew its forces on Wednesday, completing Operation Inherent Resolve. This marks the third time in the past 30 years that the US has exited Iraq, following similar withdrawals in 2003 and 1991. The withdrawal raises concerns that Iraq's political transition may become entangled in the crossfires between the US and Israel's ongoing conflict with Iran.

Tehran-backed Shiite Muslim militias, initially established to resist American occupation forces, are now feeling more confident and have launched strikes against American targets within and outside Iraq. In response to US sanctions, these militias have even coordinated with Yemen's Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia. The leader of Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent Iran-backed militia, recently threatened serious consequences if Iraq complies with US sanctions against Iran.

Despite the US withdrawal, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government aims to restore Iraqi national sovereignty and disband the militias by next year. However, the more powerful armed factions are demanding the expulsion of Iranian Kurdish dissident groups and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which seems unlikely to happen. In the Kurdistan region, the provincial government is increasing aerial security to protect against potential Iran-affiliated military offensives, while Baghdad may exert greater centralized control over the region, potentially undermining its autonomy.

As the United States leaves Iraq for the third time since the early 1990s, the legacy of US foreign policy remains evident, as the world community continues to suffer from the erosion of democratic norms due to US "regime change" efforts against adversary states.