Since the fall of Saddam Hussein more than two decades ago, the US has had a near-continuous military presence in Iraq… until now.
The last troops have been withdrawn, ending a process started by Joe Biden and endorsed by Donald Trump. But the timing of the departure has been questioned – with the US still at war with Iran.
According to Iraqi security experts, the withdrawal could give Tehran and its proxies free rein, while also risking a comeback from the Islamic State terror group.
So, why have Americans decided to leave Iraq now? And what will it mean for the future of the country – and stability of the wider region?
Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s military analyst Robert Clark, who served in the British military in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There is more exclusive analysis and content on the conflict in the Middle East on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.
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