U.S. Withdraws From Third Iraqi Base

On the way out: American Troops in Iraq (U.S. Air Force)

The United States has withdrawn from its third Iraqi military base in a move announced on March 16, reports the BBC. This base, known as K1 and located near the northern Iraqi province of Kirkuk, was fired upon by Iranian forces earlier this year. Now, the United States has begun to consolidate its bases in Iraq, with top officials judging that the threat of ISIS has been “constrained,” according to Military Times. American troops re-entered Iraq in 2014 with a mission to stabilize the Iraqi regime and defeat ISIS. Before the latest withdrawals, around 5,000 American troops remained in Iraq, according to Time. In the past six months, however, the political climate in Iraq has drastically changed. 

Protesters throughout the country, encouraged by Shia Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, have publicly voiced their displeasure with American involvement in domestic affairs. In January, after the killing of Qassem Solemiani, 250,000 participated in an anti-American march and Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Mahdi demanded the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, reports Time.

Now, following several rocket attacks on American bases, al-Mahdi’s wish was granted. The United States has withdrawn from K1 as well as two other major bases in Iraq. However, the U.S.’ exodus from the country leaves instability in its wake. Disputes between Iraq and the Kurds, a key provider of troops in the region, were often mediated by the United States. Further, ISIS still controls areas near Kirkuk, which were often targeted by K1’s planes and troops, according to Military Times. 

In a process similar to vietnamization during the Vietnam War, America is turning over its combat operations to the Iraqi Army. If the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi government have not acquired enough strength to carry on the fight against ISIS alone, Iraq may become a 21st-century Vietnam— a resounding failure papered over as a success.