The Iraq-Syria Withdrawal Project

As the U.S. seeks to draw down its presence in the Middle East, particularly amid regional escalation, there is a greater likelihood for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and termination of the Counter-ISIS Operation Inherent Resolve Mission in Iraq and Syria.

The U.S. has laid out an incremental reconsolidation and drawdown process for its near-2,500 forces stationed in Iraq, it has no clear plan for its 2,000 forces stationed in Northeast Syria. Among the many unknowns include questions of how will partner force capacity be affected by the removal of American intelligence provision, air cover, and assistance? How can the U.S. facilitate a drawdown in Iraq and Syria that does not repeat the same mistakes made during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal process? How can Washington protect its partners and communities on the ground from malign and adversarial actors while executing its departure, ensuring local stability and human security?

The Iraq-Syria Withdrawal Project seeks to answer these questions through thought leadership and expertise, generating analyses about the spectrum of risks and opportunities that exist within a draw-down process under Operation Inherent Resolve. Drawing from an array of experts who have extensive experience in navigating Iraq and Syria’s complex security landscapes, this project generates reports, articles, podcasts, and events illuminating pathways that American policymakers and military leaders can seize upon to ensure a responsible way forward for the U.S.’ forward posture in Iraq and Syria.

The Iraq-Syria Withdrawal Project was created and is led by Caroline Rose and is part of the Military Withdrawals Portfolio.