According to a report from Politico, the US and Iraq will soon announce a shift in Washington’s mission in Iraq from a combat mission to a “purely advisory” role. US and Iraqi officials met on Thursday for talks to finalize details, and the announcement is expected on Monday after President Biden meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.
The change in policy would technically end the US “combat” mission in Iraq and could result in a troop drawdown, but sources told Politico that “a number of US service members will remain in Iraq indefinitely.” There are currently about 2,500 US troops in Iraq under the umbrella of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition.
The Politico report said the announcement will put an end date on the US “combat” mission in Iraq. But sources stressed that the withdrawal of US troops “in the near future is not being seriously discussed.”
A US official told The Wall Street Journal that the shift would not change the number of troops in Iraq. “It is not really a numerical adjustment but rather a functional clarification of what the force would be doing consistent with our strategic priorities,” the official said.
Earlier this week, Kadhimi said he wants continued support from the US but that “combat troops” must leave. The Iraqi leader has been under pressure to get US forces to leave since he came into office in May 2020. In January 2020, Iraq’s parliament voted unanimously to expel US forces after Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in Baghdad by a US drone strike.
Kadhimi has been under more pressure since President Biden bombed Iraqi militias in Iraq and Syria last month. Since Biden’s airstrikes, attacks on US bases in Iraq have stepped up. There are many elements inside Iraq that want US occupation forces to leave, and Washington keeping troops in the country, regardless of the role they claim, will almost certainly not be acceptable to them.
The Invasion, Demolishian and Occupying of IRAQ is another glorious MISSION of the World’s most active Meddler and War Monger, the USA !!
Iraq is edging the US out, going as fast as they can push the US.
This is similar to Biden’s actions regarding Saudi Arabia. Erase the “O”(offensive)from the bombs and put a “D”(defensive) on them and all is well. Will these “advisory” troops be armed? What a joke.
Reminds me of the MAAG Vietnam. At least we learn from our mistakes–not.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Assistance_Advisory_Group
If these “advisors” are going to stop bombing locals, then all will be well. If they’re going to continue, then there’s no change.
Man-o-man, if Kadhimi needs US military advice after they totally and most thoroughly destroyed his country for 31 years, he is one hopeless imbecile. Bring our boys and girls home and out of harm’s way.
Indeed, Iraq should be a cautionary tale for all those states aspiring to NATO; and their leaders, like Kadhimi and all his parasite confreres, Like Nugyin Cao Ky & Nugyin Van Thieu, assured of their seaside villas in Hawaii, have their rat-lines ready for the moment the Taliban reach the gates.
The arrogance of the USA “advising” all the rest of the globe how to live our lives while letting the Homeland sink down into oblivion as the rich few take more control.