The Pentagon Redraws Its Map: Withdrawal from Iraq a Strategic Priority in 2026

Leaked defense documents revealed that the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) is finalizing the strategic plan for a comprehensive withdrawal from major Iraqi bases by the fall of 2026. The new American strategy focuses on "remote" positioning, relying on precision strikes and air capabilities from Gulf bases instead of a costly ground presence in Iraq. This radical shift responds to high-risk assessments following the recent war with Iran, placing the Iraqi armed forces before the challenge of proving their competence in maintaining internal security and fighting ISIS sleeper cells independently.