Iraq has issued arrest warrants for Defense Minister and 27 officials from the former U.S.-backed government of Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, linked to the alleged misappropriation of $1 billion in military procurement funds. This development is seen as a positive sign that the new Iraqi government may be distancing itself from U.S. influence, signaling a potential shift towards self-governance. The interim government, which was not elected and was not intended to represent a true democracy, is viewed as a transitional phase. Discussions emphasize the need for the U.S. to withdraw and allow Iraqis to govern themselves, suggesting that this could reduce risks to U.S. military personnel and redirect funds to domestic security efforts. The interim government's actions reflect on the U.S. administration that established it, raising questions about the effectiveness of U.S. intervention in fostering democracy in Iraq.
