U.S. forces have completed their long-awaited withdrawal from Iraq, ending two decades of military presence that left hundreds of thousands dead and divided Iraqi opinion. Iraqis marked the departure with celebration but also deep anxiety about future security, as experts warn the exit could create a power vacuum. Iran-backed militias and ISIS remain active in the region, with recent incidents highlighting ongoing instability. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has announced internal shake-ups, cutting senior leadership posts by 20%. Across the world, Spain’s government moves to freeze evictions after an elderly woman’s case sparks mass protests, and Myanmar reels from a deadly airstrike. See today’s full World Briefing for the developments shaping global headlines.

What’s happening?
Pete Hegseth has announced a plan to cut 20% of general and admiral positions in the U.S. military. This decision, aimed at overhauling military leadership, comes amid ongoing discussions regarding military effectiveness and diversity initiatives.

Coverage analyzed: The New York Times | theguardian.com | Federal News Network | The Washington Post
The New York Times headlines, “In Speech, Hegseth Targets Diversity, Transgender People, Reporters and Iran,” emphasize a broader context of cultural and social issues raised by Hegseth’s address. In contrast, theguardian.com states, “Hegseth confirms plan to cut 20% of US top military brass and rails at ‘beardos, weirdos and wimps’,” which frames the story primarily through the lens of the military cuts and derogatory comments. The former focuses on diplomacy and societal impact, while the latter foregrounds conflict and the individual’s remarks.