The College of Law and Politics convened a panel on the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and its impact on security and stability in the country. The panel, titled ‘The Security Situation in Iraq Following the Withdrawal of the American Forces’, was held in the Seminar Hall on 9 November 2026.

The speakers on the panel were Asst Prof. Dr Kurdistan Salim Saeed and Asst Prof. Mr Kardo Kareem Rasheed, both of whom are lecturers at the UHD College of Law and Politics.

Dr Kurdistan Salim Saeed explored the historical background of US forces in Iraq since 2003, when a US-led coalition of states occupied Iraq and overthrew the regime. She elaborated on the different phases, as well as the legal and political arrangements for the presence of US forces in Iraq and their final withdrawal in September 2026.

Mr Kardo Kareem Rasheed spoke about the security challenges facing Iraq following the withdrawal. He noted that there are numerous powerful and diverse militias in Iraq that refuse to lay down their weapons or integrate into the Iraqi army. He added that these groups pursue their own interests and agendas, with some viewing themselves as more powerful than the state itself. Mr Rasheed predicted that the current divisions within Iraqi society, the proliferation of diverse militia forces and armed groups with competing agendas, and a weak, divided government collectively point to a very difficult future for Iraq.

Students and lecturers attended the seminar, which concluded with a Q&A and comments session.