Negotiations Ahead: US and Iraq to Discuss Coalition Mission’s Conclusion

The United States and Iraq are poised to commence discussions about concluding the U.S.-led military coalition’s mission in Iraq. 

This coalition was initially formed to combat the Islamic State group. The Pentagon has confirmed that these talks will include evaluating the current scale of the U.S. military presence in Iraq.

Escalating Tensions Amidst Planned Talks

These negotiations are set against a backdrop of increasing attacks on U.S. forces by Iran-backed militias in Iraq. 

U.S. authorities, however, emphasize that the timing of these discussions, which were first mentioned last year, is not a direct response to these recent militia attacks. 

Preparations for the talks are underway, with the first meeting scheduled for Saturday.

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Pentagon’s Position on Troop Levels

“Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters at a briefing that the U.S. has received no requests from Iraq to withdraw American troops.” 

However, she acknowledged that the number of troops will be a topic in the forthcoming discussions, and any decisions will be based on the security landscape in the region.

Recent Militia Attacks and US Response

The situation in Iraq has been increasingly volatile, with Iran-backed militants launching over 150 attacks on U.S. and allied forces since early October. 

The most significant of these was Kataib Hezbollah’s assault on the al-Asad Air Base, which prompted a U.S. counterattack on Iranian militia locations. 

These developments underscore the complex dynamics in Iraq, where U.S. forces face both internal and regional challenges.

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Framework of the US-Iraq Talks

“Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the talks between the U.S. and Iraq are part of a higher military commission that was agreed upon last summer, before the war.” 

The focus of these talks will be on transitioning the U.S.-Iraq relationship into a lasting security partnership.

Iraq’s Vision for Coalition’s End

The Iraqi foreign ministry’s vision is to “formulate a specific and clear timetable that specifies the duration of the presence of international coalition advisors in Iraq.” 

This approach aims to gradually reduce the presence of coalition advisors, eventually culminating in the end of the mission and a shift towards comprehensive bilateral relations.

Coalition Presence: A Long-Standing Debate

The presence of U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq has long been a contentious issue, heightened by incidents such as the U.S. airstrike in January 2020. 

Approximately 2,500 U.S. troops are currently deployed in Iraq, mainly for counter-IS operations and training.

Iraqi Prime Minister’s Standpoint

“Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this month, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said there is no longer justification for the coalition’s presence in the country and that the Iraqi army is capable of tracking and fighting the remaining IS cells.” 

This statement reflects Iraq’s evolving stance on the coalition’s role within its borders.

Negotiating Withdrawal Timelines

While U.S. officials suggest a phased withdrawal over several years, Iraqi authorities are pushing for a more immediate exit. 

These negotiations are crucial for defining the future of Iraq’s sovereignty and its capacity to manage security independently.

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