This month, in the wake of the drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the Iraqi Parliament voted to force the withdrawal of the U.S. military. President Trump has responded by threatening sanctions on Iraq. This sudden display of mutual animosity underlines a disappointing truth: It is a myth that Iraq’s loyalty is torn between American and Iranian influence.

After nearly two decades of occupation, the United States has proven to be a transitory power in Iraq, holding little real leverage other than its military might. All the power and influence in Iraq reside with Iran, despite a complex history that includes the Iran-Iraq war.