After 20 years and 4,500 dead: US leaves Iraq — and Iran wins

The United States is completing the withdrawal of its forces from Iraq after more than two decades of fighting. Experts assess that the move strengthens the influence of Iran and pro-Iranian militias in the country, alongside fears of a resurgence of ISIS. The Iraqi Prime Minister welcomes the withdrawal, calling it the closing of a dark chapter in Iraqi history.

The United States is completing the final withdrawal of its forces from Iraq, after more than two decades of fighting in which no fewer than 4,500 American soldiers were killed. American forces are leaving the Middle Eastern country under deep and unprecedented Iranian influence, according to a Maariv correspondent. Experts warn that the move grants Tehran and pro-Iranian militias greater freedom of action, and they are expected to translate the momentum into increased influence over political and security decision-making in Baghdad. The Iraqi Prime Minister stated in an interview with Reuters that on September 30 they will celebrate turning the dark page in Iraq's history and the failure of the occupation to impose its will on their country. Alongside broad public support for the withdrawal, there are voices in Iraq that fear the strengthening of groups supported by Iran and argue that the withdrawal is taking place too early. Iraqi and Kurdish security officials warn that the withdrawal is breathing new life into dormant ISIS cells, which, despite the collapse of the caliphate about a decade ago, continue to pose a real threat. The article notes that in recent years Iraq was the only country that maintained close alliances with both Washington and Tehran, which often served as a battlefield in the proxy war between them. In the current war against Iran, 7 out of 18 US military casualties were killed on Iraqi soil.