This document is written by retired General James M. "Dubik, a fellow at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), described the ongoing and vital missions of U.S. forces in Iraq after 2011, though their role has diminished."

He points to four key tasks that require a U.S. presence: mediating crises to ease sectarian tensions and advance national reconciliation; developing Iraqi security forces to move from counterinsurgency to external defense; supporting Iraq's self-defense capabilities; and countering terrorism.

The author also suggests the need to restructure the U.S. presence under the authority of the embassy in Baghdad, through the establishment of a security cooperation office, an expanded defense attaché, and a joint rule of law task force, in addition to cooperation with the NATO Training Mission and the multinational peacekeeping forces to ensure the stability of the country.