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Iraq’s Dangerous Mix: 2,500 U.S. Troops, Iran-backed Militias and Battle for Influence

Squad of Three Fully Equipped and Armed Soldiers Standing on Hill in Desert Environment in Sunset Light.
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Posted: March 15th, 2024

By Hollie McKay

Hollie McKay is a writer, war crimes investigator, and the author of “Only Cry for the Living: Memos from Inside the ISIS Battlefield.” (Jocko Publishing/Di Angelo Publications 2021). She was an investigative and international affairs/war correspondent for Fox News Digital for over fourteen years, where she focused on war, terrorism, and crimes against humanity.

SUBSCRIBER+ EXCLUSIVE REPORTING – Almost 21 years after the United States invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein, the nation is home to a contest between U.S. and Iranian interests. The war in Gaza has not only made that contest more dangerous for Iraq, it has also raised questions about the U.S. presence in the country. 

“Iraq continues to pose a challenge for any successful U.S. policy,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, citing the recent spate of attacks by Iran-backed militias against American targets in Iraq, and calls by the Iraqi government for U.S. forces to leave the country. 

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Categorized as:Middle East ReportingTagged with:

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