US withdraws remaining forces from bases in Iraq, raising fears of vacuum for terror groups | LIVE BLOG
Local experts worry about whether US-trained and funded security forces will be able to protect Iraq from emboldened pro-Iranian militia groups as well as terror groups like ISIS
Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid consulted ahead of Lapid’s security briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They stressed the immediate security risk posed by a shortage of 20,000 soldiers and the strain on reservists caused by the government’s refusal to draft all sectors of Israeli society. Following the briefing with Netanyahu, Lapid stressed that, "Security threats must be handled professionally and responsibly… Without going into details, the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the police are prepared for the elections, and there is no reason to cause public panic."
Meanwhile, Israel’s Attorney General and State Attorney submitted a statement to the Supreme Court arguing that the disqualification of Knesset candidate Sami Abu Shehadeh must be upheld over his alleged support for armed struggle against Israel, including during October 7. They cited an article Abu Shehadeh published on October 8, 2023, one day after the attack began and while it was still unfolding, which they said expressed support for Hamas's armed struggle against Israel. READ MORE FROM TUESDAY
US withdraws remaining forces from bases in Iraq, raising fears of a vacuum for terror groups
US forces withdrew from their remaining bases in Iraq on Wednesday, raising concerns that the departure will leave a security vacuum, embolden Iranian-backed militias, and give a resurgent Islamic State an opening to regroup.
The withdrawal, agreed under President Joe Biden in 2024 and carried out by the Trump administration, comes even as the US wages war against Iran, which wields influence in Iraq through proxy militias.
Iraqi analysts and security officials warned that local forces, despite years of US training and funding, may not be capable of independently preventing a security collapse or an Islamic State resurgence, particularly given the loss of US intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support.
Iran and its allied "axis of resistance" have cast the withdrawal as a strategic victory.
Little progress made by Qatari mediators to broker deal between the US and Iran - report
The stalemate bolsters both sides' belief that a renewed military conflict is becoming more likely, according to Axios, which spoke with several officials familiar with the discussions.
US officials think President Trump could order a return to major combat operations after the midterms.
According to other sources, the Qatari plan was aimed at addressing both Iran's demand for lifting the US naval blockade and the US demand for Iranian nuclear concessions.
"It is stuck. The Iranians are asking for things the US can't accept, and the US thinks it is winning, so there is no need for compromise," one of the sources said.