Staff Reports
The last American boots have left Iraq, closing a chapter that began in 2003 and saw the formal Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq end this week. CENTCOM confirms U.S. forces and equipment departed Erbil Air Base as Washington shifts to a bilateral defense relationship with Baghdad while continuing counter-ISIS work from neighboring bases and from Jordan.
What happened: A planned withdrawal, not chaos
CENTCOM says the departure from Erbil marks the end of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and completes a planned transition to a U.S.-Iraq bilateral defense relationship. Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve remains active, but its headquarters and much of its presence have moved to Jordan while U.S. forces continue counter-ISIS efforts in Syria with partners. After more than two decades of involvement and the lives lost to two wars and the fight against ISIS, the United States is now reshaping its footprint in the region.
Why this matters for American security
This is not merely a photo op. Ending a long-term U.S. presence in Iraq changes how we deter terror and check Iran-backed influence. Operation Inherent Resolve helped degrade ISIS, but the threat did not vanish. President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth rightly pressed Baghdad to assert sovereignty and disarm Iran-aligned militias that have attacked U.S. personnel. If Iraq steps up, we can shift from large bases to targeted, intelligence-driven counterterrorism—if it does not, the risks grow.
Risks: A vacuum attracts bad actors
Here’s the blunt truth: a reduced American footprint does not mean the region becomes safer by itself. Iran and its proxies understand the opportunity of any gap. Unless Iraqi leaders actually disarm militias and strengthen their security forces, Tehran will fill the vacuum with proxies and political influence. We moved forces, not our responsibilities. Over-the-horizon capability, close intelligence sharing, and robust training for the Iraqi Security Forces and the Peshmerga must follow the withdrawal.
What should come next: Tough diplomacy, smart posture
Washington should treat this as a reset, not a retirement. Demand that Iraqers halt militia attacks, follow through on defense agreements, and take real steps to secure their territory. Back that demand with targeted military aid, intelligence cooperation, and economic incentives — and be ready to sanction Iran-backed groups that keep striking U.S. interests. The smart conservative approach is clear: end endless occupation, but keep lethal, flexible tools and strong partners in place so ISIS and Iran-backed militias learn that American resolve simply changed form, not ended. The chapter may be closed, but the book is not burned.
