Vehicles pass in front of Iraqi flags installed along a street in Tahrir Square, Baghdad, on Sept. 29, 2026. (Credit: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP)
Nearly 12 years after the U.S.-led coalition was formed to fight the Islamic State (IS) organization, Operation Inherent Resolve has ended in Iraq. The last U.S. troops and military equipment are due to leave by the end of September, bringing to a close a chapter that began with an unprecedented convergence between Washington and Tehran, now at war. Some context US forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran Iraq plans official ceremonies to mark the withdrawal, which has been dubbed locally “Sovereignty Day” or “Independence Day.” But beyond the symbolism, it raises a bigger question: Can the government turn the end of the foreign military presence into greater sovereignty, or will the gap left behind give the armed groups and outside powers more room to expand their influence?Washington and Baghdad agreed on the...
Nearly 12 years after the U.S.-led coalition was formed to fight the Islamic State (IS) organization, Operation Inherent Resolve has ended in Iraq. The last U.S. troops and military equipment are due to leave by the end of September, bringing to a close a chapter that began with an unprecedented convergence between Washington and Tehran, now at war. Some context US forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran Iraq plans official ceremonies to mark the withdrawal, which has been dubbed locally “Sovereignty Day” or “Independence Day.” But beyond the symbolism, it raises a bigger question: Can the government turn the end of the foreign military presence into greater sovereignty, or will the gap left behind give the armed groups and outside powers more room to expand their influence?Washington and Baghdad agreed...
1 p.m. recap: Iran receives official response from Washington to Hormuz offer; incident on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight; civil servant strike in Lebanon