{
  "id": 10727106,
  "title": "As US leaves Iraq definetly, Baghdad sees withdrawal as 'symbol of sovereignty' - analysis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/as-us-leaves-iraq-definetly-baghdad-sees-withdrawal-as-symbol-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T16:20:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-910103"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 30, 2019, the United States announced the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, signaling the end of a nearly ten-year military presence in the country. Iraqi state media INA hailed this as a symbol of Iraq's sovereignty and independence, portraying the departure of foreign forces as a victory over the influence of the United States. However, this interpretation differs from the perception of the US withdrawal, as it focuses more on the US role in Iraq's security and military matters rather than the country's internal progress.\n\nDuring the ISIS invasion in 2014, Iraq's military failed to contain the extremist group, leading to the loss of key cities like Mosul. The US provided crucial support to Iraqi forces in combatting ISIS, including the deployment of thousands of vehicles and other resources. As a result, Iraq's state media suggests that the US withdrawal represents a new era in Iraq's relations with the international community, emphasizing the country's ability to protect itself and address security challenges.\n\nHowever, the US withdrawal has not been without its detractors. Iran, Iraq's neighbor and rival, sees the US departure as a strategic win, as it has long sought to reduce US influence in the region. This sentiment is echoed by Kata i Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, which has threatened to shoot down any hostile aircraft targeting Iraqi airspace after the US-led coalition's withdrawal. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Region, which had received significant support from the US-led coalition, is concerned about the potential loss of defensive capabilities and protection from airstrikes.\n\nIn this turbulent mix, Iraq's treatment of the US withdrawal as a symbol of sovereignty raises questions about the country's perception of the US role and its future relationship with the international community. As Baghdad seeks to attract foreign investment and bolster its economy, it remains to be seen how the US withdrawal will impact these goals and whether Iran will leverage the situation to its advantage. The future of Iraq's relationship with the US and the implications of the US withdrawal remain uncertain.",
  "summary": "Iraq’s depiction of the US withdrawal as leading to “sovereignty” shows how Baghdad has not valued the US role in fighting ISIS and maintaining order in the country.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Iraq prepares for new chapter after US troop withdrawal as security concerns remain",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/iraq-prepares-for-new-chapter-after-us-troop-withdrawal-as-security",
        "published": "2026-09-29T10:50:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "US exit leaves Iraq facing new security risks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/us-exit-leaves-iraq-facing-new-security-risks",
        "published": "2026-09-29T14:07:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}