US Troops Exit Last Iraq Bases, End 22-Year War
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The mission had to end someday, and the hard part now belongs to Baghdad. A sovereign Iraq has to show it can hold the line against Iran-backed militias and keep IS from exploiting thin security in contested areas. Handing off that responsibility is the only way an Iraqi state ever grows strong enough to stand on its own.
Establishment-critical narrative
Two decades of blood and trillions of dollars bought one thing: a Baghdad wide open to Tehran's influence. Toppling a regime that once checked Iran, then walking away from a weak and divided government, guarantees that the militias fill every gap left behind. Calling that an ending is generous when the consequences are just getting started.
Narrative C
The departure of U.S. forces is a victory for sovereignty after years of conflict and sacrifice, marking a significant moment in the country's modern history. It restores Iraqi sovereignty after years of foreign military presence as Iraqi security forces assume greater responsibility, and it reshapes Iraq's security environment and the regional balance of power.
Narrative D
America's withdrawal from Iraq risks repeating the chaos seen after Afghanistan, where a rapid exit was followed by the collapse of U.S.-backed institutions and the Taliban's return to power. Iraq is different, but the warning is familiar: leaving amid unresolved security threats can create dangerous vacuums. This is nothing but backstabbing.
