US and Iraq agree to start talks to end presence of US-led coalition
Al JazeeraFEB 2024
Iraq, US Begin Formal Talks on Anti-IS Coalition Future
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Public calls for American troops to leave the country are merely an attempt from the Iraqi government to appease domestic discontent over recent US strikes, with al-Sudani privately acknowledging his willingness to keep US forces in Iraq. As for the US, its military footprint in Iraq is critical not only to prevent a resurgence of IS, but also to counter Iran's influence and to prevent the Gaza war from spreading.
Establishment-critical narrative
Similar to Trump, Biden has failed his duty as commander in chief as troops currently stationed in Iraq and Syria have no clear, attainable mission, instead serving as lightning rods to Iran-backed militia attacks because some bureaucrats in Washington believe that their presence annoys Tehran — and that risking their lives is worth it. It's about time for these servicemen to be brought home.