IRAQ AFTER THE U.S. WITHDRAWAL | Protests in Wasit

October 8, 2026

One week after the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, Iraqi social media pages circulated reports of large-scale demonstrations in Wasit Governorate on October 7, marking the third anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

Details of the demonstrations:

According to circulating reports, large crowds of citizens participated in protests during which American and Israeli flags were burned, expressing anger over the war in Gaza and opposition to U.S. and Israeli influence in the region.

The turnout was described as massive, but no reliable figures have been published confirming the number of demonstrators, and the size of the crowds has not been independently verified.

The real irony comes from Baghdad itself!

On October 4, the prosecution of individuals for stepping on the American flag during the country’s “Sovereignty Day” celebrations sparked a wave of criticism, particularly from Iraqi groups opposed to U.S. influence.

Iraqi law allows penalties for insulting the flags of foreign countries, but this does not mean that simply criticizing the United States politically is punishable by a fine.

Geopolitically, the withdrawal of American troops does not necessarily mean the end of American influence.

Washington continues to maintain security, military, and diplomatic relations with Baghdad, while some Iraqi political forces argue that restoring genuine sovereignty also requires independence in political decision-making.

The October 7 anniversary has become an opportunity for people to express their anger over U.S. and Israeli policies, amid an ongoing debate over the limits of Iraq’s relationship with Washington.

The Bottom Line:

American troops have withdrawn from Iraq, but the political struggle over U.S. influence is far from over.

The reported events in Wasit, alongside the arrests in Baghdad, raise a fundamental question:

Is sovereignty simply about the departure of foreign troops, or does it also include protecting Iraqis’ right to peacefully express their political views?