Former diplomats assess U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and region's future

Key Points:

• The U.S. formally withdrew its forces from Iraq, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein; the withdrawal was met with celebrations in Baghdad but raised concerns about Iraq's future stability.
• Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi described the withdrawal as a new phase emphasizing Iraq's sovereignty and institutional strength, while Kurdish residents expressed fears of increased threats from Iran-backed militias and the resurgence of ISIS.
• Former U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey called the withdrawal a "mission accomplished" in defeating ISIS but noted continued U.S. support through training and intelligence, whereas Feisal Istrabadi, former Iraqi ambassador to the U.N., expressed skepticism about Iraq's ability to maintain security amid ongoing regional conflicts and Iranian influence.
• Both experts highlighted the significant influence of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, noting that the planned disarmament of these groups has not occurred, raising concerns about Iraq’s internal stability and the broader regional power dynamics.
• Reflecting on the human cost, the experts acknowledged the mixed legacy of the U.S. intervention: Saddam Hussein was removed and Iraq remains a democracy, but challenges persist, and the future remains uncertain despite the hope brought by the 2003 intervention.