President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that the United States will end its “combat” mission in Iraq this year was likely a symbolic gesture meant to support an embattled Iraqi prime minister ahead of October’s elections, according to experts familiar with the situation. Biden’s announcement happened July 26 during Iraq prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s visit to the White House. “Our role in Iraq will be … it’s just to be available, to continue to train, to assist, to help, and to deal with ISIS as it—as it arrives. But we’re not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission,” Biden told reporters. Al-Kadhimi also reportedly told the Associated Press that “There is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil.” Numerous media outlets portrayed these statements as news that the United States will be withdrawing troops, following a similar strategy as what’s happening in …
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