Iraq troop withdrawal deal marks latest phase in US shift to Asia-Pacific
- This week’s agreement to pull all combat soldiers out of the country comes as the Biden administration focuses on China
- Middle East will still play an important role in Washington’s strategic thinking and the armed forces maintain a large presence in other parts of the region
The recent US announcement that it will pull combat troops out of Iraq continues its shift of focus towards the Asia-Pacific as China becomes its top priority.
“Our role in Iraq … it’s just to be available, to continue to train, to assist, to help and to deal with Isis as it arrives. But we’re not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission,” Biden said.
There are about 2,500 American military personnel stationed in Iraq, although it is not known how many are performing a combat role.
The Pentagon had said that the US has never intended to keep troops in Iraq indefinitely, and the threat posed by Isis has been greatly diminished although it still poses a threat to Iraq and the region.
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US President Biden seals deal with Iraq’s leader to end US combat mission in Iraq by late 2021
Observers said the security situation in Iraq has stabilised with US and coalition troops already focusing on training and support roles.