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The NPR Politics Podcast

The NPR Politics Podcast

What does the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq mean for the region? | Sources & Methods

Oct 12, 2026 · 32m

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About this episode

Earlier this month, American forces fully withdrew from Iraq for the second time since the 2003 invasion. In this episode of NPR's national security podcast Sources & Methods, host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with NPR International Correspondent Jane Arraf who is in Baghdad to see how Iraqis are greeting the moment. And NPR Pentagon Correspondent Tom Bowman explains how this withdrawal and the ongoing war with Iran are changing America's footprint in the region. He also discusses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's "State of the Force" address. We'll be back with a new episode of the NPR Politics Podcast tomorrow, October 13. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts…