A Lasting Legacy: How Trump and Biden Shape Iraq’s View of the United State
In Iraq, opinions on the US election vary, but there is a common feeling of weariness. Many Iraqis have felt the long-term effects of American foreign policy decisions over the last two decades, especially since the 2003 invasion. Trump’s policies, including the controversial 2020 strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on Iraqi soil, have stirred anger and apprehension. For Iraqis, the possibility of Trump’s return represents a threat of escalated tensions with neighboring Iran, which could push Iraq further into instability. While Biden is often viewed as a more traditional candidate, his stance on Iraq leaves many skeptical. Some Iraqis fear that Biden’s previous role as vice president under Obama ties him to decisions that were also painful for Iraq, such as the rapid withdrawal of troops in 2011. This decision led to a power vacuum, enabling extremist groups like ISIS to gain strength. While Biden’s approach may appear less confrontational than Trump’s, many Iraqis d