What Was Discussed at the First Meeting of the International Coalition Against "ISIS" Following the U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq?

- One day after the United States officially completed its military withdrawal from Iraq, Italy and the United States hosted a special meeting on Thursday, specifically aimed at the international coalition against ISIS, focusing on the need to continue building the capabilities of both Iraq and Syria to target the terrorist organization. The meeting was held in Rome at the level of political directors and senior diplomatic officials, according to the U.S. State Department.

Participants announced financial commitments exceeding $75 million "to support counter-terrorism needs in Syria, increase the capacity of detention centers, maintain health and sanitation services, and support displaced persons and detainees in both Iraq and Syria," according to a media statement issued by the U.S. State Department on Friday. The statement noted that "participants reaffirmed the coalition's role as a tool to enhance stability in Iraq and Syria, emphasizing the need for international support to focus on strengthening the capabilities of both countries to develop their potential in targeting ISIS and preventing the divisions that the organization has historically exploited."

The coalition, which includes 90 partners, also congratulated both Iraq and Syria on the success of "Operation Inherent Resolve" in weakening ISIS. The U.S. State Department stated: "The end of the mandate for Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq represents a true victory for the coalition's collective efforts and for the Iraqi government's determination to continue to take responsibility to ensure that the organization cannot reconstitute itself."

It added: "In Syria, we celebrate having a coalition partner in Damascus that recognizes the magnitude of the threat posed by ISIS and is determined to work with the coalition to mitigate this threat." The statement pointed out that "achieving lasting security in both countries depends on strengthening sovereign and inclusive state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities that can participate equally in shaping the future of their countries."

It is noteworthy that both Baghdad and Damascus have governments that are still in the establishment phase, and there are concerns about the potential emergence of security vacuums in the absence of close monitoring. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated on Thursday that his country is concerned about ISIS activities within Syrian territory.

He stated to reporters in Washington, saying: "There may be hundreds of ISIS fighters on the other side of the border in Syria, if not thousands," pointing out that "if they manage to cross the border, they will once again pose a threat to Iraqi security." However, he confirmed that the Iraqi forces are "ready to defeat them again."