Sep 30, 2026 · 15 min
Iraq exits as Iran-backed militias consolidate power
The U.S. Military Leaves Iraq
The U.S. withdrawal marks a major shift in Iraq while Washington expands military activity elsewhere and Americans debate economic populism and AI’s risks.
- 1The U.S. closes its last Iraq base but retains personnel to protect diplomatic missions and maintain military equipment.
- 2Iranian-backed militias wield influence across Iraq’s security institutions, ministries, parliament, and prime-minister selection.
- 3Robinhood’s AI trading plans and public attitudes toward AI expose competing hopes for convenience and fears of unchecked expansion.
Don't miss
Jared Malsin details how Iranian-backed militias influence Iraq’s security institutions, ministries, parliament, and choice of prime minister.
The brief
The U.S. is closing its last military base in Iraq after more than two decades, but a limited presence will remain to protect diplomatic missions and maintain equipment.
Jared Malsin explains how Iranian-backed paramilitary groups have extended their influence through Iraq’s security institutions, ministries, parliament, and the selection of the prime minister.
The episode then tracks expanding U.S. military operations in Latin America, including a year of strikes against boats suspected of carrying drugs and the use of advanced technology.
Robinhood says AI agents will soon trade stocks, options, Bitcoin, and prediction-market contracts around the clock, while the company works to connect outside assistants to investment accounts.
A Wall Street Journal poll finds cross-party support for intervention against corporations and wealthy interests, alongside anxiety about AI and surprising enthusiasm for conversational tools among older adults.
Featuring
Robinhood Markets, Inc.
United StatesListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.