US Iraq policy will aim at adaptive response to threat

Significance

This followed a February 15 attack targeting US troops stationed at Erbil airport, in the Kurdistan region, after which the administration launched its first use of force, targeting Syrian positions of Iran-backed Iraqi militias. Beyond this, Baghdad’s place in Biden's Middle East policy strategy is still unspecified.

Impacts

• Washington’s new focus on multilateralism will encourage a greater military role for NATO in Iraq.
• Biden will restore access to the Special Immigrant Visa programme for Iraqis who have provided "faithful and valuable" US service.
• Yet again, pressing security concerns will likely hinder the desire in Washington to reduce its focus on Middle East issues.