The stakes of leaving Iraq
In this essay for The Free Press, Elliot Ackerman draws on his experience as a Marine lieutenant in Iraq to examine the consequences of the latest U.S. troop withdrawal. He argues that ending a deployment can leave the work of preserving stability unfinished, particularly when armed groups backed by Iran remain active.
Lessons from an earlier withdrawal
Ackerman revisits the American departure in 2011 and the return of U.S. forces after the Islamic State’s advance in 2014. He places that history alongside longer military commitments in Europe and East Asia, asking how governments distinguish between prolonged conflict and a presence intended to prevent renewed war.
The responsibility to secure peace
The essay connects decisions made far from the battlefield with their consequences for service members and the communities where they serve. Ackerman questions whether short-term political priorities can support a durable strategy and argues for judging withdrawal by what follows it.
Read the Full Essay at The Free Press.