Washington will reduce troops in Iraq in "coming months" after tensions

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The United States announced on Thursday June 12 that it will "reduce" its military presence in Iraq. The day before, the two countries had started a “strategic dialogue”. A way for Americans to return to speaking with an Iraqi government now led by a Prime Minister more favorable to Washington, after months of tension.

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Referring to "  significant progress  " against the jihadist Islamic State (IS) group, due to the American presence at the head of an international coalition, the Americans and Iraqis stated in a joint declaration that "  the United States would continue to reduce its forces in Iraq  ”.

The withdrawal will take place "  in the next few months,  " added the US and Iraqi governments, without specifying the extent or precise timetable. Washington will also "  discuss with the Iraqi government the status of the remaining forces  ", without seeking "  a permanent military presence  " - a position in line with President Donald Trump's desire to disengage, who promised to "  end the wars without end  ”.

2008 dialogue update

This declaration was made after a “  strategic dialogue  ” by videoconference because of the Covid-19. Its objective: to bring back a little stability in the stormy relations between the two allies. An update of the 2008 “dialogue”, when the United States established the conditions for their departure after invading Iraq. Since then, their troops have returned, far fewer in number, against IS.

More than two and a half years after the "victory" over the Iraqi jihadists, the thousands of American soldiers in the country - 5,200 at the start of the year - were once again at the heart of the tensions.

Anti-American sentiment

Anti-American sentiment soared with the death in January of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant, killed in Baghdad in a raid ordered by President Donald Trump. A decision taken in reaction to the multiplication of rocket attacks against American interests, attributed by Washington to pro-Iran forces. In the process, Shiite deputies voted to expel foreign soldiers.

In Baghdad, however, a new Prime Minister has arrived. Former intelligence chief Moustafa al-Kazimi, who is believed to be close to the Americans and his Arab allies, changed the game. The man has taken the reins of a country in the midst of an economic crisis and which is still demanding justice for some 550 demonstrators killed in the repression of an unprecedented revolt.

Drastic reduction unlikely

However, a drastic reduction in American troops seems highly improbable as the jihadist threat remains present, argue the other countries of the coalition. Other parties were not invited but were closely following the dialogue: Iran's allies in Iraq. Ahmed al-Assadi, spokesman for their parliamentary bloc, leader of the expulsion vote, recently reiterated that he gave the Americans six months to leave.

Again, Monday and Wednesday, two rockets hit US soldiers and diplomats in Baghdad as a reminder. The tone is less aggressive, however. The Hezbollah brigades, the most radical pro-Iran faction, have announced that they will not give their position until Thursday.

"  This withdrawal gives more room for maneuver to Mr. Kazimi and the Americans,  " Robert Ford of the Middle East Institute think tank told AFP. Especially since the Iraqi government "  is committed to protecting the military personnel of the international coalition  ", according to the joint declaration. In return, Washington promised to promote economic aid to Baghdad.

► Read also: Iraq-United States strategic dialogue: Baghdad between hammer and anvil

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