# Popular Mobilization Forces

As U.S. Leaves Al Asad, Iraq Seizes a Symbolic Moment — and a Daunting Responsibility

Iraq announced full control of Al Asad Airbase on 17 January, a move that carries heavy symbolic weight after decades of foreign intervention and recent anti‑U.S. sentiment. While returning the base to Iraqi hands addresses sovereignty concerns, it does not resolve deep governance, security and regional‑influence challenges that will determine whether the transfer helps stabilise the country.