More than 800 new Iraqi soldiers graduated on Thursday from a several-week training course at a military academy in Jordan. The graduation ceremony took place away from a suicide bombing at a recruitment center for the Iraqi army in Baghdad. The graduating Iraqi soldiers, among whom are 40 female soldiers, represent the second group of Iraqi soldiers to graduate from the Zarqa Military Academy in the outskirts of Amman, the capital of Jordan. The training of these soldiers is part of a contract between Jordan and the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. The Iraqi soldiers underwent basic military training and also attended classes on democracy and human rights. The U.S. intends to establish a 35,000-strong Iraqi military force by next September.
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New Iraqi Soldiers Graduate from Training Course at Military School in Jordan - 2004-06-18
Feb 7, 2026
February 7, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Over 800 new Iraqi soldiers graduated from a military training course in Jordan, marking the second group to complete training at the Zarqa Military Academy. This training is part of a U.S.-led coalition effort to build a capable Iraqi military force, which is significant for regional stability.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The graduation of these soldiers is a key milestone in building a self-sufficient Iraqi military amid ongoing security challenges.
👥 Key Players
U.S.-led coalition
MENTIONED
Military and political force supporting Iraq's reconstruction
"Their involvement is crucial for shaping Iraq's military capabilities and governance post-Saddam Hussein."
Jordan
MENTIONED
Host country for military training
"Jordan's support for training Iraqi soldiers reflects its strategic role in regional stability and U.S. alliances."
Iraqi soldiers
MENTIONED
Newly trained military personnel
"They represent the rebuilding of Iraq's military forces, which is essential for the country's sovereignty and security."
📰 What Happened
Over 800 Iraqi soldiers graduated from a military training course in Jordan, marking a significant step in the U.S.-led effort to build an effective Iraqi military force.
- The training included basic military skills and education on democracy and human rights.
- This graduation is part of a larger plan to establish a 35,000-strong Iraqi military by the following September.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran views the establishment of a strong Iraqi military as a potential threat to its influence in Iraq and the region.
🌍 Regional: A capable Iraqi military could stabilize Iraq, impacting the balance of power in the Middle East.
🌐 International: The U.S. aims to demonstrate progress in Iraq, which is vital for its credibility in the region and for its global counter-terrorism strategy.
📚 Background
Following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, there was a concerted effort to rebuild Iraq's military and governance structures to ensure stability and prevent insurgency.
Iraq War
U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The information appears factual and is likely sourced from official announcements, but should be viewed with an understanding of the geopolitical context.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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