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U.S ,Iraq  

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's recent meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House has drawn attention to the ongoing efforts towards the withdrawal of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition from Iraq. This meeting took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East following Iran's large-scale aerial attack on Israel, raising concerns about regional stability.

The US-led military coalition, established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State group, has played a pivotal role in the region since its inception. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been achieved in countering the threat posed by extremist elements, particularly in Iraq and neighboring Syria.

Despite ongoing challenges, including sporadic attacks by armed groups affiliated with Iran, discussions between the US and Iraq have resumed regarding the future trajectory of the coalition. Both parties recognize the need for a strategic shift in response to evolving security dynamics and the changing threat landscape.

In a joint statement issued after their meeting, President Biden and Prime Minister al-Sudani emphasized the importance of assessing key factors such as the enduring threat from the Islamic State, the support required by the Iraqi government, and the capacity-building efforts aimed at strengthening Iraqi security forces. They affirmed their commitment to evaluating these factors to determine the appropriate timing and modalities for concluding the mission of the Global Coalition in Iraq.

The ultimate goal, as outlined in the statement, is to transition towards a bilateral agreement that accommodates the security interests of both the United States and Iraq. This transition may involve retaining a contingent of US troops in Iraq to provide ongoing support and assistance, albeit in a reduced capacity.

Currently, the United States maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the coalition's deployment. Discussions between the US and Iraqi leaders underscore the importance of maintaining a measured and coordinated approach to address security challenges while respecting Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition to deliberations on the future of the coalition, President Biden and Prime Minister al-Sudani also addressed the broader regional dynamics, particularly in the aftermath of Iran's recent attack on Israel. Prime Minister al-Sudani urged restraint from all parties to prevent further escalation of conflict and emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote stability and security in the region.

Notably, US forces stationed near the northern Iraqi city of Erbil played a role in countering the Iranian attack on Israel by deploying a Patriot missile battery to intercept an incoming ballistic missile. This incident underscores the interconnected nature of regional security challenges and the importance of sustained cooperation among coalition partners.

As both the US and Iraq navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, their ongoing dialogue and cooperation remain critical in addressing shared security concerns and advancing long-term stability in the region. The outcomes of their discussions will not only shape the future of the US-led coalition in Iraq but also have broader implications for regional security dynamics in the years to come.