The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, reaffirmed Iraq’s stance on the diminishing need for the international coalition’s presence in Iraq, highlighting the growing capabilities of the Iraqi security forces. In discussions with his Dutch counterpart, Mark Rutte, in the Netherlands, al-Sudani expressed Iraq’s appreciation for the Netherlands’ support within the international coalition during the war against ISIS. He emphasized the importance of transitioning to bilateral relations to sustain cooperation and stabilization efforts in Iraq and the region.
Al-Sudani also stressed the need for international efforts to halt the aggression on Gaza and urged European countries to play their part in protecting the Palestinian people from the ongoing genocide on their historical land. The Dutch Prime Minister, in turn, expressed his country’s desire to strengthen its partnership with Iraq, shifting from security cooperation to economic and other developmental areas. The discussions led to an agreement on forming a comprehensive bilateral cooperation council between Iraq and the Netherlands, with specialized committees in various fields, notably in agriculture and water management, to address Iraq’s water scarcity challenges, leveraging Dutch companies’ expertise in these areas.
The presence of US troops in Iraq has been a subject of significant changes and discussions over the years. In recent developments, discussions have been initiated about the future of the 2,500 US troops currently stationed in Iraq. This dialogue is part of the Iraq Higher Military Commission’s efforts to chart a path forward for US forces in Iraq, considering factors such as the threat from ISIS, operational requirements, and the Iraqi security forces’ capabilities. Despite the discussions, there appears to be some discrepancy between the US and Iraqi perspectives on the withdrawal of US troops. The US defense officials indicate that the commission’s intention is not to negotiate a withdrawal, while Iraq’s foreign ministry has expressed expectations for a clear timetable specifying the duration of the international coalition advisors’ presence in Iraq.
The US officially ended its combat role in Iraq in December 2021, marking a transition to a mission focused on advising, assisting, and enabling the Iraqi forces. This change followed an agreement between the Iraqi Prime Minister and the US President, aimed at reducing pressures on the Iraqi government targeted by Iran-backed militias. Despite this shift, US troop numbers in Iraq have remained relatively stable, with the current mission not necessarily leading to a physical change in troop presence. This ongoing US involvement is part of a broader effort to support Iraq in its fight against the remnants of ISIS and maintain stability in the region.
In a recent development, the US Secretary of Defense reaffirmed the US’s commitment to maintaining its military presence in Iraq to continue the fight against ISIL during an unannounced trip to Baghdad. This visit underscores the US’s dedication to supporting Iraqi security and sovereignty, emphasizing the non-combat and advisory role of US forces in support of Iraq’s fight against terrorism.
