Continued US presence: Washington draws up a new map and prepares its dictates for the next phase in Iraq.
Continued US presence: Washington draws up a new map and prepares its dictates for the next phase in Iraq.
6-22-2026
The situation appears more complex than what is being discussed in political circles, as evidence suggests a continued American presence in Iraq, particularly on the military front, amidst ongoing regional developments that have negatively impacted Iraq. The withdrawal of US forces in September is now considered unlikely, especially given the escalating warnings surrounding Prime Minister Ali Abdullah Saleh’s visit to Washington and the potential imposition of dictates by the US administration to serve its interests in Iraq. These dictates aim to ensure the implementation of US objectives related to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), foreign relations, and economic matters, which the US considers leverage over Baghdad.
Political analyst Atheer al-Sharaa told Al-Maalomah, “There is a signed agreement for the American military withdrawal from Iraq in September, but this withdrawal would signify the end of the American project in Iraq.”
He added, “The United States does not want to leave Iraq. A withdrawal through the door would mean a return through the window, and therefore, there are many doubts surrounding the actual withdrawal from the country.”
He explained that “the US administration has a ‘New Middle East’ project, which makes withdrawal from Iraq unlikely at present, as it contradicts Washington’s objectives in the region. Furthermore, regional events and developments preclude a military withdrawal from Iraq.”
For his part, Hussein al-Karawi, head of the organizing body of the Popular Movement for the Belt and Road Initiative, told Al-Maalomah that “the US administration is working to impose its dictates on a number of countries, including Iraq. Washington prioritizes its own interests, and therefore, the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States will not yield any projects that serve Iraq.”
He continued, “Al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington will be dominated by US interests during the meetings between the two sides. Anything that serves Washington and its allies will be pushed forward to ensure their interests are met.”
He added, “There are specific dictates that the US administration is working to ensure are implemented within Iraq. These include the issue of the Popular Mobilization Forces and distancing Iraq from the resistance axis, in addition to attempts to influence relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
In a related development, former member of the parliamentary finance committee, Mu’in al-Kadhim, explained to Al-Ma’louma that “American interference in Iraq’s financial affairs has led to the imposition of broad restrictions on financial policies, rendering Iraq unable to utilize its financial resources freely except under specific conditions set by Washington.”
He pointed out that “these restrictions have negatively impacted the performance of the Iraqi economy and slowed the implementation of numerous investment and financial plans,” urging the government to “move towards strengthening financial independence and reducing foreign dominance over the banking system.”
He emphasized that “liberating financial decision-making is a fundamental step to ensure the stability of the national economy and enable the state to manage its resources independently.”
Similarly, former MP Qusay al-Shabaki told Al-Ma’louma that “the United States uses the dollar as a tool of pressure and financial blackmail against Iraq, which is reflected in the country’s economic policies.”
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi plans to make an official visit to the United States next month, amid political calls for the cabinet to be completed before the visit to ensure there are no dictates or interferences in the government formation.
almaalomah.me
