The United States and Iraq have reached a preliminary agreement for the full withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2026, Reuters reported on Friday, amid continued attacks by Iran-backed militants against American troops.

The United States and Iraq have reached a preliminary agreement for the full withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2026, Reuters reported on Friday, amid continued attacks by Iran-backed militants against American troops.

This withdrawal would mark a significant shift in Washington’s military posture, though US officials acknowledge that their presence in Iraq serves not only to counter the Islamic State but also to monitor Iranian influence in the region.

The phased exit is seen as politically beneficial for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, as it aligns with Iraq’s balancing act between the US and Iran while addressing ongoing instability. However, it might also signal a victory for Iran and its proxies in the Arab country which have long been pushing for the full withdrawal of US and coalition forces from both Iraq and Syria.

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  • cygnus@lemmy.caEnglish
    9·
    2 months ago

    What would you estimate as the percentage of the population who are pro-theocracy?

    • apub879@kbin.earthOP
      18·
      2 months ago

      I’ve heard different answers to this question. Conducting a poll is obviously a hard task to pull of in an authoritarian country, considering the censorship by the state.
      A quick search got me to this poll: Article, Archive

      So the answer would be that only 15% of the population are pro-theocracy.

      In response to the question "Islamic Republic: Yes or No?” 81% of respondents inside the country responded “No” to the Islamic Republic, 15% responded “Yes,” and 4% were not sure.

      • cygnus@lemmy.caEnglish
        9·
        2 months ago

        Thanks, that’s good news. I don’t know much about Iran since the Islamic period but it’s truly a shame to see one of the greatest nations of history reduced to what it is today. At least there’s a rough framework of democracy that can hopefully be built upon once the current regime is finally gone.