In recent times, the stability of Iraq has been a significant concern to stakeholders on a global level, with the terror group known as the Islamic State (IS) posing threats to the peace and security of this Middle Eastern country. This compromising situation calls for the support of nations worldwide and thus, the decision to maintain or withdraw international forces becomes a detail of tremendous importance. Most notably, a Kurdish official has sent a stern warning to the United States about the perils of pulling out forces from Iraq in this crucial period.
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman recently voiced this concern, stressing that the current fragile state of IS could spiral dangerously if not adequately monitored. The Islamic State has been noticeably incapacitated over time due to consistent efforts by international forces. Still, according to Abdul Rahman, their structures in place pose an existential threat that needs prompt and continual action.
The Kurdish official cautioned that the IS, already infamous for its brutal reign of terror, has been slowly reorganizing and remains in possession of considerable power. He noted that towns, villages, and cities within the country’s peripheries are especially susceptible to attacks from the terror group.
Mr. Rahman further explained that the decision by Donald Trump’s administration to withdraw US troops was arrived at without a full understanding of the state of affairs on the ground. Trump’s America First policy led to significant disapproval from critics worldwide, many of whom believed that the withdrawal’s timing was poor and threatened stability in the region.
Amy Austin Holmes, an international relations fellow at the Wilson Center, echoed the concerns of the Kurdish official. She stressed that while the group appears to be defeated on the surface, they have merely moved underground and developed sleeper cells. Holmes highlighted that these specially trained IS members who operate underground are indeed the genesis of its regrouping effort.
Moreover, the presence of US forces extends beyond just combat. They provide training to local forces and development of infrastructure. This presence provides an essential safety net for the civilian population and emboldens the local forces to maintain and restore order in their localities. Their departure, therefore, would signify more than merely an absence of military firepower but a significant weakening of systems and structures to fight terror groups.
Despite the IMMUNITY Act passed by the US Congress in December 2020, which does not oppose the withdrawal of troops, the weight of the current situation should not be underestimated. The future stability of Iraq and potentially that of the whole region depends on continued international support, as highlighted by the Kurdish representative. Acting prudently, therefore, is not just necessary but vital to sustain the strides made so far in taming the terror group.
It is collective hope that the incoming US administration takes into account the gravity of the situation, and rethinks the options available to them, ensuring that the stability of the region does not get compromised further. The withdrawal of forces might grant political points to a specific regime, but as the Kurdish official warns, its
