President Trump is rightly reluctant to see U.S. forces pushed out of Iraq. But as he moves to prevent that outcome, the president needs a new messaging strategy toward Baghdad.

The need is newly urgent following the U.S. killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani on Friday. After struggling to reach a quorum — a sign of the absence of more pro-American parliamentarians from the chamber — the Iraqi parliament on Sunday eventually voted to expel Iraqi forces. Yet, it’s important to note that this nonbinding vote reflects short-term populism more than any surge in support for Iran. As an example, powerful parliamentary bloc leader Muqtada al Sadr remains an Iraqi nationalist. His support for the expulsion vote reflects a desire to go with the flow and bide his time.