“It Seems Like Blind American Ignorance”: The New U.S. War on Iraq

Key Takeaways

• U.S. A‑10 strikes hit Habaniya base, killing 7, wounding 23
• Total of 138 U.S. attacks in Iraq since war on Iran began
• Casualties include 73 PMF fighters, 10 army soldiers, 6 civilians
• Iraqi public opinion shifting against U.S. presence after repeated strikes
• Ceasefire announced April 8, but long‑term regional tensions remain high

Pulse Analysis

The recent A‑10 sorties over Anbar’s Habaniya base represent the most intense phase of U.S. kinetic activity in Iraq since the February 2025 launch of the war on Iran. Within a single day, the aircraft bombarded a PMF command building, an army officer’s housing, and finally the field hospital, leaving seven soldiers dead and 23 injured. These strikes are part of a broader pattern that, according to Iraqi officials, totals 138 U.S. attacks, resulting in over 70 deaths among the Popular Mobilization Forces, a key pillar of Iraq’s security architecture, alongside civilian casualties.

Domestically, the relentless bombardments are reshaping Iraq’s political calculus. Anbar, once a stronghold of pro‑American sentiment due to its role in the 2000s insurgency, now witnesses growing resentment as tribal leaders, PMF commanders, and ordinary families demand apologies and compensation. The attacks have strained the fragile coalition between the central government and Iran‑aligned militias, while Sunni tribal mobilization forces—historically allied with the U.S.—grapple with the perception of being targeted indiscriminately. This erosion of trust complicates Baghdad’s effort to balance Western security assistance with internal pressures from both Shia and Sunni factions.

Regionally, the cease‑fire announced on April 8 offers only a temporary pause. Iran and its proxy networks, including Kata’ib Hezbollah, view the U.S. strikes as an opportunity to rally anti‑American sentiment and justify retaliatory actions across the Levant. Meanwhile, Israel’s parallel campaign in Lebanon adds another layer of volatility. For Washington, the challenge lies in calibrating a limited response to Iranian proxies without igniting a full‑scale conflict that could further destabilize Iraq, jeopardize oil exports, and deepen anti‑U.S. narratives throughout the Middle East.