US Withdrawal Tests Iraq’s Ability to Counter ISIS and Control Arms

The withdrawal of US forces from Iraq has renewed questions over Baghdad’s ability to protect its airspace, confront ISIS and bring weapons under state control.

Views differ on what the departure means for Iraq’s security. Some see it as a transfer of responsibility to the Iraqi state, placing Baghdad in charge of managing threats and defending the country.

Others warn that the withdrawal could upset security balances and create more room for armed factions and regional powers to expand their influence.

The debate extends beyond Iraq’s capacity to fight ISIS. It also concerns whether state institutions can assert authority over weapons outside their control while safeguarding Iraqi airspace.

At the heart of these competing assessments is whether Baghdad can turn greater security responsibility into effective control, rather than leave gaps that other forces could exploit.