fahmi-reza
American military personnel have fully departed from their long-standing base in Baghdad, bringing an end to a military presence that began with the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. The completion of the withdrawal marks a significant symbolic milestone in the relationship between Washington and Baghdad, closing a chapter that has shaped Iraqi politics, regional security, and American foreign policy for more than twenty years.
Al Jazeera's Jack Hewson reported from the Iraqi capital as military jets departed the city, capturing the final moments of a drawdown that has been anticipated for years. The images of aircraft lifting off from the base underscored the scale of the transition, as the last American soldiers left behind installations that once served as the nerve center for US operations in the country.
The base in question had functioned as a key hub for American forces throughout the various phases of the US mission in Iraq. It witnessed the initial invasion, the subsequent occupation, the surge of troops during periods of intense sectarian violence, and later the transition to an advisory and training role as Iraqi security forces assumed greater responsibility for combat operations. Its closure represents the culmination of a long and often contentious process of handing over security duties to Iraqi authorities.
The withdrawal comes after two decades in which the American footprint in Iraq expanded and contracted according to shifting political and security conditions. At its peak, the US maintained hundreds of thousands of troops across the country, operating from numerous bases and coordinating with Iraqi and coalition partners. In later years, that presence was reduced to a smaller, more specialized force focused on training, advising, and assisting Iraqi units in their fight against armed groups.
For many Iraqis, the departure of US troops from the Baghdad base carries deep symbolic weight. The 2003 invasion remains a defining event in modern Iraqi history, one that led to the collapse of the Baathist regime, the dissolution of the Iraqi army, and years of instability that followed. The presence of foreign troops on Iraqi soil became a flashpoint in domestic politics, with various factions calling for a timetable for withdrawal and demanding full sovereignty over the country's security affairs.
The Iraqi government has repeatedly asserted its desire to take full control of its territory and security institutions. The completion of this withdrawal is likely to be presented by Baghdad as evidence that it is capable of managing its own defense without direct foreign military support. However, questions remain about whether Iraqi forces are fully prepared to address the lingering threats posed by remnant insurgent networks and other armed actors operating in different parts of the country.
Analysts have noted that the American withdrawal from the base does not necessarily mean an end to all US military engagement in Iraq. Washington has maintained that it will continue to provide support through advisory missions, intelligence sharing, and arms sales, depending on arrangements negotiated with the Iraqi government. The nature and scope of that future cooperation will likely be a subject of ongoing debate between the two capitals.
Regional dynamics are also expected to be influenced by the removal of US forces from the Baghdad base. Iraq sits at the intersection of competing interests involving Iran, Gulf states, Turkey, and other regional powers. Any perceived reduction in American influence could create openings for other actors to expand their footprint, potentially reshaping the balance of power in ways that affect both Iraq and its neighbors.
The withdrawal also raises important questions about the legacy of the US-led intervention. Critics of the 2003 invasion argue that it destabilized the region, empowered extremist groups, and caused immense human suffering. Supporters of the initial operation contend that removing Saddam Hussein was necessary and that subsequent US efforts helped prevent even greater chaos. The final departure from the Baghdad base will inevitably prompt renewed reflection on both perspectives.
For the soldiers who served at the base over the years, the closure marks the end of a prolonged deployment cycle that placed enormous strain on military personnel and their families. Many veterans have spoken about the challenges of serving in Iraq, including the threat of roadside bombs, rocket attacks, and the psychological toll of operating in a volatile environment. The final withdrawal is likely to be remembered by them as both a relief and a moment of solemnity.
The political implications inside the United States are also significant. American public opinion has long been skeptical of prolonged military engagements overseas, and successive administrations have sought to reduce the country's commitments in the Middle East. The completion of this withdrawal may be framed by policymakers as a fulfillment of promises to bring troops home and refocus resources on other priorities.
However, the departure does not resolve the broader question of what role the United States will play in Iraq going forward. Diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties are expected to continue, and American officials have signaled that they intend to maintain a constructive relationship with Baghdad. The challenge will be to do so in a way that respects Iraqi sovereignty while protecting mutual interests.
The scene in Baghdad as the jets departed was described by Al Jazeera's correspondent as both historic and uncertain. Residents and officials alike are aware that the withdrawal marks the end of one era and the beginning of another, one in which Iraq must navigate its own path amid complex internal and external pressures. The coming months will reveal how effectively the country can manage the security and political transitions that lie ahead.
For now, the completion of the withdrawal stands as a rare moment of closure in a conflict that has spanned generations. It is a reminder of the costs of war, the resilience of the Iraqi people, and the enduring difficulty of translating military exits into lasting stability. The world will be watching to see what comes next for a country that has been at the center of global attention for more than two decades.
Comments (0)