US Ambassador to Iraq Stresses IS Threat Still Looms, Coalition’s Work Not Finished

United States Ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, emphasized in a recent interview with Reuters that the Islamic State (ISIS) still poses a significant threat in Iraq, countering claims by senior Iraqi politicians that the extremist group has been neutralized. This statement comes amidst discussions on the future of the US-led coalition’s presence in Iraq and its ongoing mission to ensure the enduring defeat of IS.

Romanowski’s remarks were made in the wake of a deadly attack by IS’s Afghan branch, ISIS-K, near Moscow, that left 137 people dead. Despite IS being territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017, its affiliates continue to execute attacks across the region.

Iraq and the US are preparing for pivotal talks in Washington this April. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and President Joe Biden will discuss the coalition’s efforts against IS, Iraqi financial reforms, and reducing Iraq’s dependence on Iranian energy. These discussions are set against a backdrop of strategic tensions in the region, with the US presence in Iraq also seen as a counterbalance to Iranian influence.

Romanowski acknowledged the delicate balance of withdrawing coalition forces, citing past experiences where a hasty departure led to renewed conflicts. The planned drawdown of the coalition’s mission will depend on the readiness of Iraqi security forces, the operational environment, and the ongoing threat level posed by IS.

Additionally, the US is focused on supporting Iraq in moving away from Iranian energy and enhancing its banking sector to meet global standards. Despite challenges, Romanowski noted improvements in the Iraqi banking system and stressed the importance of these reforms for Iraq’s future stability and independence.