Afghanistan, Sept. 30 -- The United States has completed the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Iraq, ending more than two decades of military presence in the country and raising questions about the future balance of power and security.
Reuters reported that the departure, completed under a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad, is being celebrated by Iran and its allies as a victory. Iraqi security experts and officials, however, warned that the withdrawal could strengthen Iran-backed armed groups and create space for the Islamic State to rebuild.
The U.S. invasion of Iraq began in 2003 and led to years of counterinsurgency operations before American combat forces withdrew in 2011. U.S. troops returned in 2014 at Baghdad's r...