US Completes Withdrawal from Iraq, Raising Fears of Iran-Backed Militias and Islamic State Reemergence

The United States has completed the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Iraq, ending a military presence that began after the 2003 invasion. The pullout, agreed upon in 2024, has been widely reported by multiple outlets, including France24 and Rappler. Iraqi officials and analysts have expressed concerns that the departure will create a security vacuum, potentially allowing Iran-backed militias to gain strength and giving Islamic State fighters a chance to reestablish their capabilities. France24 and Rappler both note that the withdrawal is seen as a victory for Iran, which has long supported militias in Iraq. The Times of Israel and Reuters have also reported on the event, though their coverage is more limited in detail. There are no significant divergences in the reporting, though all sources emphasize the potential risks associated with the US exit. The event is part of a broader shift in US foreign policy, with the Biden administration prioritizing troop reductions in the region. The withdrawal has been framed as a strategic decision to focus on other global priorities, but it has also raised alarms about the stability of Iraq and the potential resurgence of extremist groups.