Trump calls Iraq withdrawal 'mistake' and highlights Afghanistan similarities
Quick Look
- US President Donald Trump answered journalist questions about the withdrawal of US troops in Iraq, repeated that being in Iraq was 'a mistake from the very beginning' and said that this process could be compared to the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- He also stated that they could return to Iraq and help if necessary.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Trump said that the presence of US soldiers in Iraq was a mistake from the very beginning and emphasized that this process was similar to the withdrawal from Afghanistan. He also stated that the goal of eradicating ISIS was successfully achieved.
US President Trump answered journalists' questions about the developments in the Middle East at the press conference held at the White House.
"IT WAS A MISTAKE FROM THE BEGINNING"
Repeating that being in Iraq was a mistake from the very beginning, Trump compared their departure from this country to the way they withdrew from Afghanistan and said, "We took everything with us. Every nut, every program, every screw, a tank, a plane." He included his words.
Trump said, "I am very honored to tell you this, we left with dignity and respect. In fact, the Prime Minister of Iraq (Ali al-Zaidi) has great respect for your President and us and is grateful for everything." he said.
"WE CAN RETURN TO HELP"
According to AA news, Trump said that they could return to Iraq to help if necessary, and that it was a "big deal" that they left Iraq in this way after 23 years.
Trump emphasized that the USA "lost 4,500 people" in Iraq and stated that the result was not worth it.
Stating that the only reason they were in Iraq was to "eradicate" the terrorist organization DAESH, the US President noted that he did this in his first term.
HE EVALUATED THE PROCESS IN IRAQ
On the other hand, Trump explained that many soldiers and police were fired in Iraq in the pre-DAESH period, and this created a security vacuum in the country.
Trump said, "What I said about leaving there (Iraq) was very accurate. Do you know what happened? They fired everyone. They fired everyone in Iraq. They fired the soldiers, the generals, the police. They fired everyone in the Department of Internal Affairs and places like that." made his assessment.
*The photo of the news was provided by AP.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
USA returns to Iraq and assists when necessary
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How will the security situation in Iraq be affected after the US withdrawal?
- What are the chances of US military intervention in Iraq in the future?
- How is the risk of DAESH reorganization currently assessed?
