At a Glance:
Currently, the Iraqi security sector has relied on international assistance over the past years to combat terrorism within the country through capacity building, military trainings and financial assistance. With current tensions in the region, Iraq has called for a withdrawal of all foreign military troops, which could have widespread consequences that impact the future stability of the country.
This report explores how rising tensions in the region could cultivate an environment for the Islamic State to gain power once again, or conversely, for new global actors to emerge within Iraq to combat IS. The EU should continue to support all parties in the conflict, as they remain strategically positioned to support both Iraq and the international coalition with their ongoing fight against IS as well as their support in capacity building within Iraq.