What Happened
Shift In Ankara-Baghdad Relations May Improve Regional Security
The Iraqi government expects Turkey to begin withdrawing troops from a military base in northern Iraq this month, in a move that analysts say is likely to improve relations between the neighbors. The base in Bashiqa has been a source of friction between Ankara and Baghdad since Turkish troops deployed there in 2015. The withdrawal is part of a broader effort to stabilize the region and potentially establish a new regional security architecture. According to defense analysts, the transfer of the base will be an important test for Iraqi forces, who will need to demonstrate their ability to maintain a presence and prevent armed groups from re-establishing themselves. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.