Washington Post: Baghdad Backtracks on US Forces Withdrawal Timeline
Iraqi Officials' Shifting Stance on US Withdrawal Reflects Growing Security Concerns After Recent Syrian Developments
December 25, 2024, 8:35 pm

Washington Post: Baghdad Backtracks on US Forces Withdrawal Timeline

القوات الأمريكية

The Washington Post reports that a senior Iraqi official indicated possible extension of US military presence in Iraq beyond the agreed timeline, influenced by rapid developments in Syria.

The source emphasized Iraqi officials changed their view on potential US withdrawal following recent regional events, noting the current deadline is "unrealistic."

The paper highlighted growing Iraqi interest in US proposals to deploy intelligence units along Iraqi-Syrian borders, reflecting enhanced security cooperation between both countries.

Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani hasn't formally requested extending US military presence amid divergent positions within the Iraqi government.

The Post noted uncertainty around President-elect Donald Trump's plans for US forces in Iraq, while his advisers emphasized ISIS counterterrorism priority.

Previous Reuters reports referenced Washington-Baghdad understandings for coalition forces withdrawal, with final evacuation of Ain al-Asad base set for September 2025.

A US administration official later announced a "transitional plan" to reduce military activity in specific Iraqi areas, excluding complete withdrawal amid growing concerns over Syrian crisis impacts on regional security.

These developments come amid comprehensive reevaluation of US military presence in the region, especially with escalating security threats on Iraqi-Syrian borders and potential terrorist infiltration through border areas.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
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Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”