Recent US moves and the fate of the withdrawal from Iraq: a violation of sovereignty or a repositioning?
Recent US moves and the fate of the withdrawal from Iraq: a violation of sovereignty or a repositioning?
4-26-2025
Information/Report…
The agreement for the withdrawal of foreign forces, led by US forces, from Iraqi territory faces real challenges in terms of implementation, amid growing public and political anxiety due to the ambiguity and laxity in implementing the agreement’s provisions.
Despite the clarity of the texts specifying the timing of the withdrawal of these forces, the reality on the ground indicates otherwise, raising serious questions about the future of Iraqi national sovereignty and the ability of executive institutions to impose the will of the state.
At the same time, the understandings reached by the Iraqi government with the international coalition, which stipulated a schedule for the withdrawal of US forces by the end of this year, have not kept pace with official commitments.
Political observers have noted a significant increase in the number of US troops and military equipment, particularly at the Ain al-Assad base in Anbar Governorate, in stark contradiction to the provisions of the agreement.
According to political analyst Sabah al-Uqaili, the United States has demonstrated a lack of seriousness in dealing with the withdrawal issue.
Al-Akeili told Al-Maalouma, “The US administration, whether under Donald Trump or under subsequent administrations, approaches bilateral agreements based on self-interest, disregarding legal and diplomatic considerations.”
Al-Akeili pointed out that “recent movements, particularly the transfer of military equipment from Syria to Iraq, represent further evidence that the United States is planning a strategic repositioning rather than a complete withdrawal.”
On the other hand, Al-Akeili pointed to the lack of serious pressure from the government of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani toward the US side.
He added that the political and security statements issued by the government are almost devoid of any serious reference to the withdrawal issue, which can be interpreted as laxity or marginalization of this sensitive issue.
Al-Akeili believed that this hesitant government position gave the Americans an opportunity to procrastinate and render the agreement practically non-binding.
In the same context, Ali Al-Bandawi, a member of the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, stressed the need for the government to commit to implementing the agreement, warning against the danger of procrastination or postponement.
Al-Bandawi explained to Al-Maalouma that “Parliament had previously voted on a resolution obligating the government to withdraw all foreign forces from the country, indicating that this resolution must be respected and implemented in a manner that enhances national sovereignty.
” He emphasized that “Iraqi security forces are now fully qualified to handle internal security and border protection without the need for any ongoing foreign support.”
Al-Bandawi pointed out that “the parliamentary committee continues its ongoing coordination with the executive authorities to monitor the implementation of the agreement’s provisions,” calling for a re-evaluation of the relationship with the international coalition and ensuring that any future partnership is based on full respect for national sovereignty.
Recent reports of the transfer of military equipment from Syrian territory to Iraq have sparked widespread criticism in political and societal circles.
This move was considered a blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty and a breach of concluded agreements. Several parties also viewed the continuation of this type of behavior as a clear message that the United States does not intend to fully adhere to the withdrawal plan.
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