Oct 21, 2026, 03:30 AM UTC

The United States has formally completed the withdrawal of its military personnel from Iraq, ending a mission spanning over two decades. U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the departure on social media, writing that "the last American troops are leaving Iraq" and calling the exit "a great day for America." The drawdown fulfills an agreement negotiated in 2024 under former President Joe Biden.

The complete exit comes as the U.S. Department of Defense reviews its broader troop footprint across the Persian Gulf, where American bases have sustained repeated attacks from Iranian forces. While Iraq is currently more stable than during previous drawdowns, security analysts caution that the military vacuum could strengthen Iranian regional influence and reinvigorate local militant groups.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Vote counting in Sweden’s general election remains underway, with public broadcaster SVT projecting an opposition victory as the left-leaning bloc maintains a narrow 176–173 seat lead over the governing coalition. Following the projections, the Social Democrats reiterated demands for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to submit his resignation.

Meanwhile, the right-wing Sweden Democrats (SD) experienced their first parliamentary decline, dropping to 17.5 percent from 20.5 percent in 2022 after losing support to the Moderates and younger voters. SD official Tobias Andersson described the national performance as concerning. However, party leader Jimmie Åkesson rejected assertions of defeat, stating "there is no obvious winner in this election" while reaffirming demands for cabinet posts in any right-leaning government. Despite national setbacks, SD achieved regional success, securing 39 percent in Färgelanda after local disputes over municipal school governance.

Sources: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, SVT, Sydsvenskan

Former French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal has secured the required endorsements to compete in October's left-wing primary, organized by the Socialist Party and Place Publique. Royal noted she has "kept many friendships within the PS" as she joins six other contenders, including Socialist First Secretary Olivier Faure.

The two-round contest, scheduled for October 9–10 and October 16–17, faces internal friction. Royal drew scrutiny after labeling rival Raphaël Glucksmann a "media darling," deviating from earlier pledges to avoid attacking primary opponents. Meanwhile, French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel confirmed he will launch an independent campaign for the 2027 presidential election outside the primary process.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération.

Kyiv authorities are urging residents to store emergency water, food, and power supplies as Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure intensify. Central government and municipal officials are working to fortify energy installations and prepare evacuation protocols for vulnerable citizens.

However, critics and former officials warn that capital infrastructure remains severely exposed. Former restoration agency head Serhiy Sukhomlyn remarked that preparations rely heavily on "a warm winter and the inaccuracy of Russian strikes." Procurement delays have also drawn scrutiny, with reports indicating that backup generators for water facilities may not be fully deployed until 2027. Despite ongoing local and national protective efforts, concerns persist over whether municipal backup measures can adequately sustain key urban services through the upcoming cold season.

Sources: Liga net, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.

Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has strongly criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a municipal vote that transferred local executive authority in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar, Özel described the political shift as a violation of democratic norms and justice, emphasizing that opposition voters had legitimately won the district in recent local elections. Separately, during a broadcast on Koza TV, Özel addressed a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan. The CHP leader defended the talk, arguing that direct communication between municipal heads and the presidency is necessary for public administration.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet