Iraqi Lawmaker Calls for Independent Decision-Making After US Troop Withdrawal

Iraqi legislator Mohammed al-Dulaimi has stressed that genuine national sovereignty requires Iraq to exercise independent decision-making in security, politics and economic affairs following the withdrawal of US-led military forces from the country. He said Iraq must be free from foreign intervention and pressure, with national decisions determined according to the country’s own interests.

Dulaimi called for greater unity among Iraq’s political forces, arguing that security and economic decisions should originate within Iraq rather than being shaped by regional or international pressure. He said an independent decision-making process is essential for Iraq to manage both its domestic affairs and foreign relations while safeguarding its sovereignty.

The US military presence in Iraq dates back to the 2003 invasion, followed by a withdrawal in 2011 and a return in 2014 amid the fight against Daesh. The latest withdrawal was carried out under an agreement between Baghdad and Washington, transferring primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to Iraqi authorities and marking another stage in the country’s effort to consolidate control over its security and political affairs.