Publication

This brief argues that the situation on the ground in Iraq reveals a bleak picture: in spite of some $1 trillion in war expenditures and nearly 4,500 US soldiers killed, the Iraqi army is not enforcing its authority throughout the country, and most of the force is in charge of internal security. For Iraq’s Arab neighbors, especially Saudi Arabia, the upcoming US withdrawal appears to be no less than 'abandoning' Iraq and leaving the field open to Iran.