Iraq's Strategic Significance to the United States after 2003: Interest and Decline

Objectives: The study aims to understand the strategic importance of Iraq for the United States after 2003, and to what extent Iraq still holds the same significance today as it did during the US occupation in 2003. Additionally, the study examines the possibility of the United States abandoning Iraq or remaining involved for various reasons defined by its national interests. Methods: The study employed the national interest approach as its foundation, relying on the ideas and propositions of the realist theory in international relations. Results: The study concluded that Iraq's relative strategic importance for the United States has declined due to several factors, some related to internal American issues and others to Iraq itself. Conclusions: There is a decline in Iraq's strategic importance for the United States, but the US will remain interested in playing a role there and will not completely abandon it. Therefore, what America needs today is a policy of clarity in Iraq that reduces uncertainty and removes confusion, accompanied by practical steps and a comprehensive vision for all Iraqi issues.