Last US troops leave Iraq: What were troops still doing there?
The United States announced it had completed its withdrawal from Iraq on Wednesday, more than 20 years after invading the country to topple Saddam Hussein, in a move that was celebrated by the Iraqi government and the Pentagon – as well as Iran and its allies, who claim years of pressure forced the American departure.
In 2024, the Iraqi government and the Biden administration agreed to a phased withdrawal of US troops, a plan the Trump administration has honored. The pullout, however, leaves a new Iraqi government with the daunting task of loosening Iran’s grip on its neighbor, which has long been trapped in a cycle of sectarianism, foreign meddling and civil conflict.
0:00 Trump announces last US forces are leaving Iraq
2:22 Former ambassador to Iraq reacts
4:54 What were the remaining troops doing there?
7:45 What this means for Iran
9:19 How will history look at the Iraq war?
Video Summary
AI GeneratedThe video discusses the final withdrawal of American forces from Iraq, analyzing the geopolitical ramifications and the long-term legacy of the U.S. presence. Experts debate whether this move empowers Iranian-backed militias and weakens U.S. regional influence, while reflecting on the failure of the original mission to establish a stable, prosperous democracy.