Iraq recently declared the conclusion of the US-led international coalition’s mission, signifying a significant shift in its foreign relations, particularly with coalition member states. This transition aims to enhance Iraq’s sovereignty and establish stronger bilateral ties moving forward.
End of the Coalition Mission
On Wednesday, Iraq took a pivotal step by announcing the cessation of the coalition’s military mission, as communicated by Qasim al-Araji, the security adviser to the Prime Minister. He emphasized that this development is an “important milestone” that stems from negotiations initiated in July 2021. As a result, US forces are scheduled to complete their withdrawal from Iraq’s remaining positions by the end of this month.
This transition marks a significant turning point in how Iraq engages with its allies. Al-Araji articulated that the upcoming phase will focus on nurturing “bilateral relations” aimed at reinforcing Iraq’s sovereignty and fostering stronger partnerships with coalition nations.
Legacy of the Coalition
Reflecting on the impact of the coalition, al-Araji acknowledged the considerable sacrifices made by the Iraqi people and the bravery of its armed forces in the fight against the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist group. He credited the success of the Iraqi military not only to their resilience but also to the invaluable support received from international partners and friendly countries.
The coalition was established in 2014 under US leadership to counteract ISIS, which had seized significant territories in both Iraq and Syria. Throughout its operations, the coalition provided crucial airstrikes, intelligence, and training to strengthen Iraqi forces, ultimately aiding in the reclamation of territory lost to the terror organization. Iraq announced in December 2017 that it had regained full control over areas previously held by ISIS.
A New Era of Cooperation
Despite the conclusion of the coalition’s mission, al-Araji stressed that this change does not signify an end to the partnership. Rather, it indicates a transition to a new form of cooperation with an emphasis on respect and shared interests. Key elements of this future engagement will include security and intelligence cooperation, alongside the exchange of crucial information and expertise aimed at capacity-building.
In September 2024, an agreement was reached between Baghdad and Washington to conclude the coalition’s military activities in Iraq by the end of September 2026, transitioning to a more personalized security partnership. This strategic move bolsters Iraq’s ability to manage its own security while maintaining vital relationships with coalition allies.
By focusing on these bilateral relations, Iraq aims to assert itself as a sovereign nation capable of safeguarding its interests, while also contributing to regional stability. The ongoing commitment to collaborative security efforts underscores Iraq’s desire for a robust international presence without the constraints of a military coalition.