The last US troops in Iraq, part of a coalition to fight the Islamic State group, were slated to leave the country on Wednesday under an agreement between Baghdad and Washington. As the Iraqi army officially takes over the coalition’s remaining bases, the government is seeking to strengthen its military capabilities and reaffirm its sovereignty. Meanwhile, some living near the US bases who have been caught in the crossfire of attacks are hoping for a fresh start. Our journalists Amar el-Hameedawi, Marie-Charlotte Roupie and Laurent Berstecher sent this report from Iraq.