Not all Iraqis are happy about the last US forces leaving the country. Kurds in particular are worried about their security. Iraq analyst Renad Mansour says the US withdrawal reflects its shifting priorities.
The withdrawal of the last US troops from Iraq marks the end of a military mission that began with the 2003 US-led invasion and resumed in 2014 to help defeat the so-called “Islamic State” group.
The move fulfills President Donald Trump‘s pledge to end America’s “forever wars” and is welcomed by Iraq’s government as a chance to focus on development.
But many Iraqi Kurds fear the departure could leave the region more vulnerable to security threats from both “Islamic State” militants and neighboring Iran.
Renad Mansour, Middle East and North Africa expert at the Chatham House think tank, spoke to DW about what exactly is changing as US troops leave Iraq.
Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
