Questions grow over Iraq's security future as US military presence ends

More than two decades of US military presence in Iraq is coming to an end, prompting renewed debate over whether Iraqi security forces are prepared to handle the country's challenges independently, according to a report from Al Jazeera.

The US military footprint in Iraq expanded dramatically following the 2003 invasion and has continued in various forms since, including operations against the Islamic State group after 2014. The drawdown marks a significant shift in the security architecture that has shaped Iraq for a generation.

Iraqi security forces have faced a range of persistent challenges in recent years, including remnants of the Islamic State, political instability, and the influence of armed groups operating both inside and outside formal state structures. The withdrawal of US forces raises questions about how the Iraqi government will manage these threats without direct American military support.

Regional dynamics also play a role in the security calculus, with neighboring countries and non-state actors continuing to exert influence within Iraq. Observers note that Iraq's ability to maintain stability will depend heavily on the cohesion of its own security institutions and the political will of its government.

The end of the US military presence represents a milestone moment for Iraq, more than 20 years after the initial invasion reshaped the country's political and security landscape. How Baghdad navigates the transition is expected to have implications for regional stability more broadly.