Bangladesh, Oct. 3 -- The withdrawal of the final American troops from Iraq marks a major turning point in the countrys post-2003 political order. Baghdad has presented the departure as an important milestone in the restoration of national sovereignty and the strengthening of Iraqs independent political and economic decision-making.

But the end of the US military presence also raises a larger regional question: who will exercise the greatest influence in Iraq after Washingtons departure?

Much of the discussion has focused on Iran. Tehran has extensive political, military and economic connections with Iraq, particularly through powerful Shiite political factions and armed groups. It would therefore be natural to assume that the American ...