BREAKING: U.S. Ends Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq After Twelve Years

The current administration did not get us into this war, but it has made the right decision to formally end Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq today. After twelve years, Iraq must take responsibility for its own security. American troops carried out the mission they were given. They fought ISIS, endured repeated deployments, and paid a price that their families understand far better than most people in Washington ever will. Their service deserves our respect, and their sacrifice places an obligation on those who decide where and when we fight.

The departure of coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base concludes this wartime mission. It does not eliminate every threat in Iraq. ISIS remnants remain, and Iran-aligned militias continue to undermine Iraqi sovereignty. The Iraqi government must confront those threats rather than depend indefinitely on Americans to bear the risk.

Any continuing U.S. training or intelligence support must have a defined purpose, serve American interests, and stay within clear limits. We should not announce the end of a combat mission only to allow expanding advisory commitments to draw us back into it.

Washington has too often treated the danger of leaving as sufficient justification for staying, without adequately accounting for the cost of staying or explaining what would finally permit departure. That reasoning can keep troops committed for another decade.

Ending this mission is the right decision. Now we must have the discipline to hold Iraq to its responsibilities and ensure that any future commitment of American forces comes with an objective and a clear end state.