Even some Iraqis who fought U.S. troops don't want them to leave

“Yes, we fought them to the death and we dreamed of the day when they would leave Iraq,” he said, laying aside a crutch as he sat down on a plastic chair in his house.

“But their withdrawal at this time is not in Iraq’s interest,” Abu Mujahid said.

His views echo widespread fears for the future among once dominant Sunnis, many of whom joined the insurgency after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion but now fear the departure of U.S. forces will cement Shi’ite Muslim — and Iranian — domination.