Baghdad – Amid the escalation of regional tensions, especially between Iran AndIsraelFacing Iraq A complex challenge related to the future of existence International coalition forces On its lands, while Iraqi parties sees that the withdrawal of these forces is possible in light of the development of the capabilities of the Iraqi forces, the current geopolitical transformations lead some to rethink the timing of this exit and its security requirements.
“Iraq is following with great concern, the developments of the regional scene, and seeks to preserve its stability and internal security,” says the consultant in the Iraqi government, noting that “dialogue with the American side on the future of military presence on Iraqi territory continues in a joint dialogue room.”
Al -Hilali said, in a special statement to Al -Jazeera Net, that “the Iraqi forces have become highly ready and have advanced capabilities,” stressing that they have advanced equipment and qualitative training in various fields thanks to the previous support from the international coalition.
Withdrawal plan
According to Al -Hilali, “the planned plan requires the withdrawal of the American forces from Iraq at the end of 2025, and the full withdrawal may take place by 2026”, adding that the forces that will leave Syria You may go to concentrate in Erbil To provide logistical support for the American presence there, without getting involved in field operations in Iraq.
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But he stressed that “the dangerous escalation between Tehran AndTel Aviv It is pushed to recall in the issue of full American withdrawal in order to avoid a security void that terrorist groups may use. “
On the other hand, Al -Hilali indicates that Iraq is dependent on “productive diplomacy” in its external relations, explaining that the country has opened the doors of strategic cooperation with many international coalition countries, including it US AndBritain AndFrance AndGermany AndSpain AndHolland AndItaly.
He stressed that “Iraq is heading to signing bilateral agreements with these countries in the areas of security, industry, trade and economics, taking advantage of their experiences to enhance its own capabilities,” describing these countries as “reliable partners who contributed to the defeat of the Islamic State and supported the stability of Iraq.”
Strategic agreement
In turn, a member of the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, MP Yasser Iskandar and Tut, stressed that “the strategic agreement between Iraq and the United States is still valid despite the recent regional tensions,” adding in an interview with Al -Jazeera Net that “the two sides are committed to protecting Iraqi interests and ensuring national security.”
And Tut saw that talking about an imminent American withdrawal “unrealistic under the current circumstances,” adding that Washington “Do not consider abandoning its influence in Iraq,” but at the same time stressed that “any military presence outside the framework of the security agreement is a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.”
The Iraqi deputy revealed that his country “lacks advanced air defense systems due to political and regional considerations,” accusing international parties, including the United States, of obstructing Iraq to obtain this type of armament.
Ready for the army
In the same context, the military expert, Lieutenant General Khalaf Al -Shuwaili, believes that the Iraqi forces are able to guarantee internal security, assuring Al -Jazeera Net that “the international coalition is only playing with consulting and logistical roles.”
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Al -Shuwaili added that “the Iraqi army, the anti -terrorist apparatus and forces The popular crowd They have the initiative on the ground, “noting that”ISIS He lost most of his strength and its sleeper cells are under control, “considering that the security situation in the country” is stable and will not be affected by the exit of foreign forces. “
But he recognized the need for technical cooperation with some coalition countries, saying that Iraq possesses American and NATO weapons (NATO), Which requires the survival of coaches and experts to secure technical and logistical support.
Withdrawal effect
On the implications of the potential withdrawal of foreign investments and diplomatic relations, Al -Shuwaili considered that the matter was “linked to how to manage Iraq for this transformation”, calling on the government to move towards signing bilateral agreements with the active countries in the coalition.
He stressed that “the exit of the forces in an organized and diplomatic manner will not affect the activity of companies or Iraq’s relations with the international partners,” noting that Iraq “possesses F-16 aircraft Abrams and American radars, which requires continuous securing spare parts and equipment. “
Al -Shuwaili concluded his speech by certainly that “the Iraqi military capabilities have developed a lot since the invasion of the Islamic State in 2014, and the Iraqi Air Force, including drones, are able to carry out combat tasks with high efficiency,” noting that the state is not unaware of the requirements of the next stage.
Observers believe that, in light of these data, the future of foreign presence in Iraq remains a precise balance between internal security considerations and the developments of the regional conflict, stressing that Iraq continues its endeavors to enhance its defensive independence, but it seems that it is not yet ready to completely abandon the support of the international coalition, especially in light of the escalating tensions that make stability a top priority.
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