US: Iraq is not Afghanistan and we are here to stay, says top official
America has about 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq, guarding the US embassy and training Iraqi personnel
American soldiers are seen at the U.S. army base in Qayyara, south of Mosul October 25, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani - S1AEUJAWFFAA
The US military has reduced its numbers in Iraq, with many personnel who remain classed as advisers and trainers. Reuters
Mina Aldroubi
Oct 27, 2021
The US will not leave Iraq as it did in Afghanistan, a top official from Washington said on Wednesday, amid fears that an American withdrawal would bring chaos to the country.
In August, American troops in Afghanistan returned home, nearly 20 years after Washington spearheaded a multinational invasion of the country.
The move allowed the Taliban to seize most of the country and sweep into the capital Kabul following the Afghan government’s fall.
“Iraq is not Afghanistan, we are here in the long term, we view Iraq as a key strategic partner and we are committed to this partnership,” Jennifer Gavito, the deputy assistant secretary of state for Iran and Iraq, said.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/iraq/2021/10/27/us-iraq-is-not-afghanistan-and-we-are-here-to-stay-says-top-official/
