Operation New Dawn shifted the focus from combat to what primary objective?

Operation New Dawn marked a significant transition in U.S. military strategy and involvement in Iraq, shifting from direct combat operations to a focus on advising and training Iraqi security forces. This change was primarily due to a reduction in U.S. troop levels and the realization that sustainable security in Iraq depended on the capability of its own forces.

By emphasizing the training and advising of Iraqi security personnel, the operation aimed to empower these forces to take responsibility for their own security and governance, enabling them to effectively confront threats such as insurgency and terrorism with a more self-reliant approach. This strategic shift recognized that for long-term stability, it was essential for the Iraqi military and police to independently manage security challenges, reducing direct U.S. military engagements while still ensuring support for Iraqi sovereignty and capability building.

This context highlights the importance of the U.S. role not just as a combat force but as a partner in fostering the development of a strong and effective local security apparatus, contributing to regional stability and ultimately leading to the decrease of direct military interventions.