US and Iraq Negotiations for Continued American Military Presence After Defeat of 'Islamic State'

According to American and Iraqi officials, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is in discussions with US government officials to ensure that American troops remain in Iraq following the conclusion of operations against the 'Islamic State' group. The Associated Press reports that both Iraqi and American officials emphasized that these negotiations are ongoing and have yet to reach a definitive conclusion. However, the existence of these talks indicates a mutual agreement that, contrary to the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2011, a long-term American military presence in Iraq is essential to prevent the resurgence of new insurgent groups after the defeat of the rebels. An American official stated, 'The two countries generally agree that it is in the interest of both sides for the American military presence to continue, and as far as an agreement goes, I think we both know it would be beneficial for both countries.' Both American and Iraqi officials declined to disclose their names for this report. The American official added that in these negotiations, which include US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Iraqi officials, discussions are focused on 'how to maintain a long-term American military presence in Iraq.' According to him, these negotiations are in the early stages and so far 'no points have been finalized.' The Iraqi official also mentioned that American forces will be stationed at least in five existing Iraqi military bases around Mosul and near the border with Syria. Their presence will still be classified as advisors and military consultants to avoid the need for approval from the Iraqi parliament. He added that Haider al-Abadi intends to station 'a few units' of the Iraqi army and American soldiers after the battle against the 'Islamic State' in Mosul and its surroundings. According to him, the task of these forces will be to ensure the security of the city and assist in the political power transfer process to local authorities in Mosul. The American official emphasized that there has been no discussion about establishing independent bases for American troops in Iraq, as such a plan would require the deployment of several thousand more personnel. He added that the number of American soldiers remaining in Iraq will be around several thousand, which is at the current level or slightly more. The Associated Press reminds that the US currently has about seven thousand military personnel in Iraq. However, the presence of many of these forces has not been publicly acknowledged or accepted, as they have been deployed under temporary missions or specific personal contracts and regulations. These forces include training staff for the Iraqi army, units coordinating airstrikes with ground operations, and special forces that are usually active on the front lines. The news of negotiations between American and Iraqi officials comes at a time when it seems Iraqi forces are facing difficulties in driving out 'Islamic State' militants from the last areas under their control in the western neighborhoods of Mosul. Such an agreement indicates that the fight against the 'Islamic State' has once again activated the military presence of the US and its role in Iraq's developments. The US had around 170,000 military personnel in Iraq at the height of sectarian violence in 2007. Over time, this number decreased to about 40,000, and in 2011 the remaining American soldiers left Iraq. The US intervention in the battle against the 'Islamic State,' which began in 2014, was initially limited to air operations, with only a small number of its soldiers stationed in Iraq. However, since then, the number of American soldiers in Iraq and their role in assisting Iraqi forces to defeat the 'Islamic State' has significantly increased. Jim Mattis, the US Secretary of Defense, stated during his visit to Iraq in February, 'I think we will be engaged in this battle for a long time and will stand together.'