The future of the international anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq is at the center of discussions between Baghdad and Washington. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Chia al-Soudani recently launched a first round of talks with representatives of the Iraqi security forces and the coalition. The aim is to achieve a “gradual reduction” in the number of foreign troops on Iraqi territory until their mission ends. There is also talk of establishing bilateral security relations between Iraq, the United States and coalition partner countries.
This initiative comes in a tense regional context, marked by an increase in attacks against American and coalition soldiers. These attacks, mainly perpetrated by pro-Iranian armed groups, are a direct consequence of the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian Hamas.
The number of coalition advisors could therefore be gradually reduced, and American military personnel in Iraq will certainly be at the heart of the discussions. The United States currently has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and nearly 900 in neighboring Syria, all engaged in the international coalition.
The establishment of bilateral security relations between Iraq and the United States raises many questions. Will Iraq have to assume sole responsibility for the fight against jihadism on its territory? How can we guarantee the security and stability of the country without the support of the international coalition?
These bilateral discussions are a crucial step for the future of Iraq and the region. They will help define a precise timetable for ending the coalition mission and paving the way for new forms of security cooperation. The challenge will be to achieve a delicate balance between Iraq’s autonomy and the need for international assistance to effectively combat jihadism. The transition to bilateral security relations will therefore be a major challenge for Iraq and the stability of the region as a whole.
In conclusion, the bilateral discussions between Iraq and the United States on the future of the international anti-jihadist coalition are a major topical topic. The gradual reduction in the number of foreign troops in Iraq and the establishment of new forms of security cooperation raise many questions about Iraq’s autonomy and the stability of the region. Striking a delicate balance will be essential to ensure Iraq’s security and stability while continuing to effectively combat jihadism.