The United States and Iraq have reached a preliminary agreement for the full withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2026, Reuters reported on Friday, amid continued attacks by Iran-backed militants against American troops.

The United States and Iraq have reached a preliminary agreement for the full withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2026, Reuters reported on Friday, amid continued attacks by Iran-backed militants against American troops.

This withdrawal would mark a significant shift in Washington’s military posture, though US officials acknowledge that their presence in Iraq serves not only to counter the Islamic State but also to monitor Iranian influence in the region.

The phased exit is seen as politically beneficial for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, as it aligns with Iraq’s balancing act between the US and Iran while addressing ongoing instability. However, it might also signal a victory for Iran and its proxies in the Arab country which have long been pushing for the full withdrawal of US and coalition forces from both Iraq and Syria.

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  • apub879@kbin.earthOP
    444·
    10 days ago

    the tentacles of the persian state…

    As a supporter of the Iranian opposition, I’d like to correct you about this description. The Islamic Republic have nothing to do with Persian ethnicity or Iranian nationality. Only 50%-60% of Iranians are Persian, it’s a very ethnically and culturally diverse nation. The Islamic Republic is a theocracy that oppresses the people of Iran. They destroy secularism and minority cultures in favor of Shia-style Islamization.

    • cygnus@lemmy.caEnglish
      91·
      10 days ago

      What would you estimate as the percentage of the population who are pro-theocracy?

      • apub879@kbin.earthOP
        181·
        10 days ago

        I’ve heard different answers to this question. Conducting a poll is obviously a hard task to pull of in an authoritarian country, considering the censorship by the state.
        A quick search got me to this poll: Article, Archive

        So the answer would be that only 15% of the population are pro-theocracy.

        In response to the question "Islamic Republic: Yes or No?” 81% of respondents inside the country responded “No” to the Islamic Republic, 15% responded “Yes,” and 4% were not sure.

        • cygnus@lemmy.caEnglish
          91·
          10 days ago

          Thanks, that’s good news. I don’t know much about Iran since the Islamic period but it’s truly a shame to see one of the greatest nations of history reduced to what it is today. At least there’s a rough framework of democracy that can hopefully be built upon once the current regime is finally gone.

      • marcos@lemmy.worldEnglish
        53·
        10 days ago

        Historically, that depends if the US is threatening to invade them or not.