After 2009, what role did the U.S. primarily take in Iraq?

The correct answer highlights the shift in the U.S. role in Iraq after 2009, which involved providing military support and assistance rather than direct control or complete withdrawal. In 2009, President Obama announced the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq, marking a significant transition in U.S. involvement. However, the U.S. continued to provide advisory support, military training, and assistance to Iraqi forces, particularly as they faced challenges from groups like ISIS.

This U.S. assistance was crucial in helping the Iraqi government regain stability and ensure a degree of security in the region. The focus moved from being directly involved in military operations to enhancing the capabilities of Iraqi security forces through training programs and logistical support. This response reflects the broader context of U.S. foreign policy, which increasingly emphasized partnership and support for local forces rather than direct military engagement. The other options represent roles that were either more directly interventionist or suggest a complete disengagement that did not accurately reflect the ongoing U.S. presence and engagement strategy in Iraq.