Name? Ali al-Zaidi
Westphalian identity? Iraqi
Age? 41
Why is he in the news? Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi celebrated the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by declaring four “Sovereignty Days”. The national holiday marks the end of foreign intervention in Iraq and the restoration of internal security. While the decision to leave predates al-Zaidi, it fits into his desire to reassert Iraqi state authority.
Why do we care? al-Zaidi’s ability to counter the presence of Iran-affiliated militias and maintain the security status quo is questionable. The Iran war has emboldened groups within the “axis of resistance”, which are working closely with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to target US interests in Iraq. Nonetheless, al-Zaidi has remained resolute, extending the deadline to bring all weapons under state control until June 2027.
Why should you care? The absence of US troops means that Iran can better undermine Iraqi oil flows, and has already begun bombing parts of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, potentially tipping the balance of power in favour of Iran. A lack of US intelligence, ground presence and logistical support will allow the terrorist group the Islamic State (ISIS) to use its sleeper network. A concern that has been flagged by al-Zaidi and Kurdish security officials.
Who else cares? Amir Hayat Moqaddam, the deputy chairman of the National Security Commission of Iran, says the country undoubtedly supports the withdrawal of US troops. In a statement to the parliamentary news service, he reiterated that the decision aligns with the Islamic Republic’s goal of removing US presence in the Middle East, while praising the resistance groups that target US assets.
Any further comments? Current withdrawal fulfils a 2024 commitment made under former US president Joe Biden. The majority of troops left in 2025 with a few hundred remaining on military bases like Erbil in northern Iraq.
