United States and Iraq Engage in Formal Talks to Conclude U.S.-Led Coalition Mission Against Islamic State

First Session of Bilateral Dialogue Held in Baghdad

On May 30, 2021, the United States and Iraq embarked on the initial round of formal discussions in Baghdad, aiming to bring an end to the mission of the U.S.-led military coalition formed to combat the Islamic State group in Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the commencement of this bilateral dialogue, emphasizing its objective to conclude the coalition’s mission in Iraq.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

The United States’ involvement in Iraq dates back to its 2003 invasion, which resulted in a significant military presence in the country. Although U.S. combat forces withdrew in 2011, the resurgence of the Islamic State (IS) in 2014 necessitated the return of thousands of troops to assist the Iraqi government in defeating the extremist group.

Following IS’s territorial losses, Iraqi officials have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of coalition forces, particularly after the U.S. airstrike in January 2020 that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis near Baghdad airport. The issue resurfaced when Israel launched a major counteroffensive in Gaza in response to a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on October 7.

Iran-Backed Militia Attacks and U.S. Response

In the aftermath of Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza, a group of Iran-backed militias known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq launched a series of attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. These attacks, carried out using missiles and drones, were allegedly in retaliation for Washington’s support for Israel during the conflict.

The estimated 2,500 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and the bases they occupy have been subjected to over 150 missile and drone attacks by these militias. Numerous U.S. personnel have sustained injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, as a result of these attacks.

In response, the United States has conducted airstrikes against militia targets, including some affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of predominantly Shiite, Iran-backed paramilitary groups nominally under the control of the Iraqi military. However, the PMF largely operates independently in practice. Iraqi officials have expressed concerns that these U.S. strikes violate Iraq’s sovereignty.

Negotiations and the Role of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq

U.S. officials have maintained that discussions regarding the establishment of a committee to determine the framework for ending the coalition’s mission were already underway prior to October 7 and that the decision was unrelated to the attacks. However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the decision in a statement, asserting that it demonstrated the United States’ susceptibility to force. The group vowed to continue its attacks.

Conclusion

The first session of the U.S.-Iraq bilateral dialogue marks a significant step toward concluding the mission of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq. The talks are taking place amidst ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. The outcome of these negotiations will have implications for the future of U.S. military presence in Iraq and the broader regional dynamics.