US troops end a two-decade military presence in Iraq
The article traces the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the overthrow and execution of Saddam Hussein, the subsequent occupation and insurgency, and the later campaign against Islamic State. It says the final American troops are now leaving their remaining bases, closing a military chapter that began more than two decades ago.
The invasion was justified by claims that Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction and supported al-Qaeda, claims the article describes as false. Nearly 5,000 coalition personnel, including 179 British troops, died during the war; the total number of Iraqi and other deaths is unknown but is believed by many to reach hundreds of thousands. US forces formally withdrew in 2011, returned to help defeat Islamic State between 2014 and 2017, and are now leaving under a withdrawal agreement made in 2024. Iraqi security experts quoted in the article warn that the departure could strengthen Iran’s influence and create opportunities for Islamic State to re-emerge.
- The last US troops are leaving Iraq after more than two decades.
- The article recounts the invasion, occupation and campaign against Islamic State.
- Experts warn the withdrawal could boost Iran’s influence and aid Islamic State.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The 23-year American military presence has failed to achieve its stated objectives and has become a persistent source of anti-American sentiment and Iraqi frustration with foreign intervention. Continued occupation, however modest in scale, perpetuates the cycle of external military involvement that partly fuelled extremism in the first place. Iraq has developed stronger security forces and must be allowed genuine self-determination; a sustainable future requires Iraqi ownership of its own security challenges rather than indefinite American military dependency. The strategic costs and risks to personnel far outweigh the marginal security benefits of remaining.
The case against
Iraq's security apparatus remains vulnerable to resurgent Islamic State cells and other terrorist networks, whilst Iranian influence is already substantial and will likely expand significantly without American counterbalance in regional power dynamics. A modest military footprint—distinct from the occupation model—provides crucial capacity building, intelligence support, and stabilising presence in a strategically vital region affecting global energy security and regional stability. Precipitous withdrawal risks squandering years of progress against terrorism and could precipitate sectarian violence or state fragmentation. A continued light-touch presence represents a prudent middle course between occupation and abandonment, ensuring Iraqi forces can consolidate gains.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “From Saddam’s execution to the rise and fall of ISIS: Stunning images illustrate America’s two decades in Iraq as final US troops leave today”.