The Enduring Presence: Us Soldiers In Iraq And Afghanistan

Twenty years after the US invasion of Iraq, American forces remain in the country, with around 2,500 troops deployed as of March 15, 2023. This is a far cry from the peak of the war in 2007, when over 170,000 US forces were present. The US also maintains a military presence in Afghanistan, with President Biden announcing a plan in 2021 to withdraw all troops by September 11, 2021. However, the US completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, marking the end of America's longest war.

The US combat mission in Iraq

The Beginning of the US Combat Mission in Iraq

The Surge and Withdrawal of US Troops

In 2007, facing heavy casualties and criticisms, President George W. Bush announced a troop surge, deploying an additional 21,5000 US troops to support the Iraqi government. This marked the height of the US military presence in Iraq, with approximately 170,000 troops in the country. However, the surge was unable to bring stability to Iraq, and in 2011, President Barack Obama announced the end of the US combat mission and the withdrawal of US troops. By the end of 2011, the US had completed its withdrawal, leaving only a small number of personnel behind.

The Rise of ISIS and the Return of US Troops

In 2014, the self-declared Islamic State (ISIS) seized large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, prompting President Obama to send a small number of US troops back to Iraq. This marked the resumption of the US combat mission in the country, with US forces conducting airstrikes and providing support to Iraqi forces. The number of US troops in Iraq gradually increased, reaching approximately 5,000 by 2016.

The Defeat of ISIS and the End of the US Combat Mission

In 2017, Iraq declared victory over ISIS with the help of US-backed Iraqi forces. However, the US continued to maintain a military presence in the country, citing the need to combat the remnants of ISIS and counter Iranian influence. In 2020, following increased tensions and attacks on US targets, Iraq's prime minister requested a mechanism for withdrawing US troops. While the US initially resisted, President Joe Biden announced in July 2021 that the US combat mission in Iraq would conclude by the end of the year.

The Current Status of the US Military Presence in Iraq

The role of US troops in Iraq

The United States' role in Iraq has changed over the years since the 2003 invasion. The US initially invaded Iraq in March 2003, citing claims that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. This claim was later found to be false.

The US formally ended its combat mission in Iraq in December 2021, with remaining troops serving in an advisory and assistance role. There are currently around 2,500 US troops in Iraq, deployed mainly in Baghdad and the north of the country. The troops are scattered around the country, largely in military installations. The US presence in Iraq is justified as a show of commitment to the region and a hedge against Iranian influence and weapons trafficking.

US troops in Iraq have three main roles:

• Training and Advising: US troops train, advise, and support the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in their fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The US provides training, equipment, intelligence, and personnel to the ISF.
• Countering ISIS: The US conducts airstrikes and other missions targeting ISIS leaders and supports the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces battling ISIS.
• Logistical Support: US troops in Iraq provide critical logistical and other support for American forces in Syria.

The legal basis for US operations in Iraq against ISIS is strong, relying on Iraqi consent and the principle of self-defense. However, the domestic legal basis for these operations is weaker, relying on stretched interpretations of outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs).

The US role in Iraq has been controversial, with some calling for the withdrawal of US troops. In January 2020, the Iraqi Council of Representatives passed a non-binding measure to expel all foreign troops from the country. US troops have been targeted by Iranian-backed militia groups, and there are concerns that the US could slide into a new, unauthorized conflict with Iran.

The number of US soldiers in Iraq

In March 2021, there was a decrease to 11 US soldiers in Iraq. As of March 15, 2023, there were still approximately 2,500 US soldiers in Iraq, deployed mainly in Baghdad and the north of the country. This is a far cry from the more than 170,000 US forces in Iraq at the peak of the war in 2007. The limited but continued troop level is critical as a show of commitment to the region and a hedge against Iranian influence and weapons trafficking.

The US invaded Iraq in March 2003 in what it called a massive "shock and awe" bombing campaign. Saddam Hussein was toppled from power, and America's war shifted the country's governing base from minority Arab Sunnis to majority Shiites, with Kurds gaining their own autonomous region. The rise of the Islamic State group and its expanding threat to the US and allies sent the US back into Iraq at the invitation of the Baghdad government in 2014. The coalition's train-and-advise mission has continued, bolstered by a NATO contingent.

The roughly 2,500 troops deployed to Iraq live on joint bases with Iraqi troops, where they provide training and equipment. That troop total, however, fluctuates, and the Pentagon does not reveal the number of US special operations forces that routinely move in and out of the country to assist Iraqi forces or travel into Syria for counterterrorism operations.

The reasons for the continued US presence in Iraq

The US invaded Iraq in March 2003, citing claims that Saddam Hussein was secretly stockpiling weapons of mass destruction. While Saddam was toppled from power, such weapons never materialised. The US remained in Iraq for eight years before withdrawing in 2011.

In 2014, the US returned to Iraq to fight a new terrorist threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The US-led coalition's mission has been to train, advise, and support Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in counter-ISIS operations. ISIS no longer holds territory in Iraq, but it has demonstrated an ability to resurge, and Iraqi authorities continue to support a limited US presence to prevent this.

Another reason for the continued US presence in Iraq is Iran. Iran's political influence and militia strength in Iraq are a security concern for the US. The presence of US forces in Iraq disrupts Iran's ability to move weapons across Iraq and Syria into Lebanon, for use by its proxies, including Hezbollah, against Israel.

US troops in Iraq also provide critical logistical and other support for American forces in Syria, who partner with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces battling ISIS. The US also supports the SDF in guarding thousands of captured ISIS fighters and their family members imprisoned in Syria.

The US presence in Iraq is justified by the Iraqi government's consent and the principle of self-defence, with the support of the UN Security Council. However, the legal basis for US military actions against Iranian-backed groups in Iraq is questionable as a matter of domestic and international law.

While there are strong policy imperatives for maintaining a limited US military presence in Iraq, there are also risks of escalation with Iran and continued objections from domestic Iraqi groups, particularly Shi'ite militia groups (SMGs) supported by Iran.

The future of US involvement in Iraq

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The US invasion of Iraq in 2003, dubbed "shock and awe," marked a significant turning point in the relationship between the two nations. The stated goal of the invasion was to eliminate Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction and establish a democratic government. However, the subsequent occupation faced numerous challenges, including a violent insurgency, sectarian conflicts, and the rise of extremist groups like ISIS.

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The US has gradually reduced its military presence in Iraq over the years, with the combat mission formally concluding in December 2021. The remaining US troops transitioned to an advisory, assistance, and training role, working alongside Iraqi security forces to prevent the resurgence of extremist groups and ensure regional stability. This shift in focus reflects a recognition that a purely military solution is insufficient to address the complex issues in Iraq.

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The US-Iraq relationship extends beyond military cooperation. The US has provided significant economic aid and humanitarian assistance to Iraq, particularly in the aftermath of the ISIS conflict. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to strengthen Iraq's democratic institutions and promote economic reform. The US is one of Iraq's largest trading partners, with two-way trade totaling $4.6 billion in 2021.

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However, challenges remain in the US-Iraq relationship. Regional tensions, particularly between Saudi Arabia and Iran, have often spilled over into Iraq, complicating political and security dynamics. Additionally, there are concerns about the influence of Iranian-backed militias and the potential for Iraq to become a battleground for proxy conflicts between rival regional powers. Managing these complex dynamics is a key aspect of US policy in Iraq.

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In conclusion, the future of US involvement in Iraq is multifaceted and subject to change based on evolving dynamics. While the US has reduced its direct military role, it remains committed to supporting Iraq's stability, security, and economic development. The presence of US troops, though diminished, signifies the enduring nature of this relationship. The ability to navigate regional tensions and promote inclusive governance will be key factors in shaping the future trajectory of US involvement in Iraq.

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