With the final US soldiers leaving Iraq on 30 September, Iraq opens a new and uncertain chapter. Iran critics say the pullout will leave an opening for Tehran to expand its influence through an established network of militias, political parties, economic interests, and ties within state institutions.
Government efforts to disarm militias and bring weapons under state control have been met with resistance, with Baghdad failing to meet the initial 30 September deadline for doing so. While Washington has agreed to give it six more months, the US troop withdrawal arguably makes the task even harder.
Caught between these two power axes, Iraq faces an important decision. Can it maintain its delicate balancing act between the US and Iran, or will it decisively swing in one direction?
Read more:
1. Does a US military withdrawal from Iraq strengthen Iran? Ayad al-Anbar
2. Iran’s hold on Iraq explained by London, Al Majalla
3. US troops leave Iraq, but double down in the region by Caroline Rose
