Iraq's Position in US Foreign Policy: At the (Military and Security) Level after 2014

This study explores the United States’ foreign political engagement with Iraq following the occupation, focusing on the dissolution of the Iraqi armed forces and the subsequent reconstruction of a new Iraqi military force tailored to align with the strategic interests of the United States. The restructuring process resulted in the systemic weakening of the newly established Iraqi military due to the constrained and selective support provided by the United States, which substantially contributed to the destabilization of Iraq’s internal security landscape. Furthermore, the research examines the broader U.S. strategic objectives in the region, particularly those centered on safeguarding the security architecture of Israel. After the fall of the former Iraqi regime, the United States of America sought to restructure the Iraqi armed forces and form them in a manner consistent with the requirements of the next phase, according to the American strategic perspective. These newly formed forces are entirely dependent on US military assistance, provided by US forces stationed in Iraq. Consequently, Iraqi forces are unable to wage war on terrorism without US support and assistance, including air cover for their operations to eliminate terrorism. The United States established military bases in Iraq to secure its influence and maintain control over the region (the Middle East). However, in 2014, the United States initiated the formulation of a new regional strategy following the emergence of terrorism. This shift prompted an update of the Iraqi military doctrine to align with regional and international interests, in addition to enhancing counterterrorism efforts. The study encompassed two primary sections: the first addressed Iraq’s role within the U.S. military strategy, and the second examined the expansion of the deployment of U.S. military bases.