US to draw down to 3,000 troops in Iraq

'The United States will withdraw more than 2,000 troops from Iraq this month, the top U.S. general in the region said Wednesday.

Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command (Centcom), announced the reduction from roughly 5,200 troops to 3,000 troops during a visit to Iraq.

“In recognition of the great progress the Iraqi forces have made and in consultation and coordination with the government of Iraq and our coalition partners, the United States has decided to reduce our troop presence in Iraq from about 5,200 to 3,000 troops during the month of September,” McKenzie said, according to excerpts released by Centcom.'

- US to draw down to 3,000 troops in Iraq, September 9, 2020



Context

Majorities of U.S. veterans, public say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not worth fighting

Veterans groups .. in favor of winding down American military involvement in the Middle East

'..Positive Peace as a holistic, systemic framework.'