Dimensions of U.S. Troops' Eviction from Iraq

Opinions 06:21 PM - 2024-02-17

Dr. Adalat Abdullah

*Written by Dr. Adalat Abdullah, Academic at the KTI Institute and a researcher at the Academic Center for National Studies

Expelling the United States from Iraq is not an easy decision, and it should not be made hastily or in response to extraordinary security circumstances. Many people, whose awareness cannot be blinded by the discourse of armed groups' satellite channels, believe that such a decision jeopardises the country's and all Iraqis' futures. Many Iraqi politicians are aware of this political reality but refuse to acknowledge it for fear of losing the political support they receive from foreign entities, which is consistent with their traditional reliance on external sources of power.

The boycott by Kurdish and Sunni lawmakers of the Iraqi Parliament's session on this issue is commendable for a variety of reasons, the most important of which is that it prevents political recklessness and ensures thoughtful decision-making in this federal institution. This boycott allows individuals to carefully consider the potential outcomes and effects of this decision, especially since several parliament committees with expertise in political, strategic, economic, and security matters can conduct thorough research and analysis on the issue in collaboration with national research centres, going beyond superficial statements, provocative chants, and impromptu press conferences.

Parliament's committees and MPs should approach these issues with clear strategic thinking, free of ideological biases and jihadist rhetoric. They should prioritise the country's best interests over all other agendas and represent the state and all communities of Iraqi society with professionalism, avoiding submission and the promotion of political goals. It has become clear to us, based on current field developments and movements, as well as the failure to implement previous parliamentary decisions in this regard, that this decision is not the true desire of any segment of society, nor the desire of most political parties known for their traditional opposition to foreign presence on Iraqi soil.

Shiite politicians, particularly those in the Coordination Framework, should carefully consider this issue and the possibility of a project aimed at undermining their political dominance in the country and causing divisions, regardless of the position of Kurds and Sunnis and their political representatives on the subject. Their actions may provoke conflict with other political forces in Iraq, jeopardising the country's unity. It is critical to prioritise national dialogue, consensus, and understanding among all political actors.

Political leaders in the Coordination Framework must analyse events in a realistic and responsible manner, taking into account the risks of disagreement in discourse and positions. They must have a comprehensive strategic perspective that considers political, economic, and security factors. It is critical to recognise that the country cannot withstand security shocks, economic crises, or political upheaval caused by the adoption of meaningless political slogans or risky ideological goals.

Everyone must understand that removing American forces without peaceful negotiation, parliamentary approval, or legal authorization is extremely risky and could lead to a more severe conflict with serious consequences and potentially explosive outcomes. It is widely acknowledged that the Americans have a variety of leverage tools and punitive measures at their disposal to use against Iraq, affecting its political system, economy, security, and territorial integrity.