US-led coalition wraps up Iraq mission, sparks sovereignty celebrations
The US-led coalition has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, ending a decade-long presence that began in 2014 to fight IS.
After more than ten years of operating in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic State, the coalition is finishing its exit, with the last troops leaving the Kurdish north on Wednesday. Baghdad and Washington agreed in 2024 to wind down the mission, and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced that the day after the final pullout will be marked as Sovereignty Day. The withdrawal is seen by Iraqi officials as removing a pretext used by Tehran-backed militias to keep arms outside state control.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 9h later
- Coverage peaked at 8 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The pullout ends a major foreign military presence, reshaping Iraq's security dynamics and internal power balance.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning and centrist outlets describe the withdrawal as a factual end to a decade-long anti-ISIS mission and note Iran’s praise, while right-leaning coverage stresses that the pullout creates a security vacuum that will embolden Iran-backed militias and a resurgence of ISIS.
LEFT
The exit is portrayed as a mixed picture - a celebrated step toward Iraqi sovereignty but one that raises expert worries about Iran-aligned militias and a possible IS revival.
CENTER
The withdrawal is presented as the scheduled conclusion of a 12-year coalition effort, highlighting the sovereignty-day celebration and noting Iran’s approval.
RIGHT
The pullout is framed as a risky move that will leave a security void, empowering Iran’s proxies and allowing ISIS to regroup.
The left emphasises
- celebration of "Sovereignty Day"
- concerns that Iran-aligned Shi’ite militias could expand influence
- risk of a resurgence of IS remnants
The right emphasises
- withdrawal creates a security vacuum
- emboldening of Iranian-backed militias
- potential resurgence of the Islamic State
How this story developed
- Aug 28 Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey launch Mecca Defence Alliance, secretariat set in Riyadh
- Sep 22 Burnham announced the decision while traveling to the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 22 Iranian carriers suspended several overseas routes after the United States imposed new aviation sanctions, halting flights to Baghdad, Muscat and Qatar while some China services persist.
- Sep 22 The United States declined to conduct direct kinetic strikes against the Houthis.
- Sep 22 UN agencies warned that displacement could rise to over 230,000 if the fighting continues.
- Sep 24 The Houthis seized the port city of Mocha and nearby Bab al‑Mandab positions.
- Sep 25 Foreign minister Hakan Fidan announced willingness to meet the kingdom’s technical military needs.
- Sep 25 The UK moved from earlier talks to a formal agreement to provide the Voyager tanker.
- Sep 25 Trump publicly voiced support for Saudi self‑reliance against Houthi attacks.
- Sep 25 The UAE has not confirmed an official ban despite the cancellation of Iranian flights to Dubai.
- Sep 26 UN Security Council issued a condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- Sep 27 Government forces launched intensified air and ground attacks in Taiz province.
- Sep 27 France announced a military mission to Saudi Arabia.
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