This Is Why

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein more than two decades ago, the US has had a near-continuous military presence in Iraq... until now.

The last troops have been withdrawn, ending a process started by Joe Biden and endorsed by Donald Trump. But the timing of the departure has been questioned - with the US still at war with Iran.

According to Iraqi security experts, the withdrawal could give Tehran and its proxies free rein, while also risking a comeback from the Islamic State terror group.

So, why have Americans decided to leave Iraq now? And what will it mean for the future of the country - and stability of the wider region?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Robert Clark, who served in the British military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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It’s long been seen as politically untouchable – but Andy Burnham has finally fired the starting gun on reforms to the state pension triple lock.

First brought in by David Cameron’s coalition government, the measure of increasing pension payments by the higher of inflation, average wage rises or 2.5% a year was introduced to offset years of underfunding.

But the new prime minister has used his first party conference speech as Labour leader to put the triple lock on the negotiating table – against the wishes of the unions, opposition parties and plenty of his own supporters.

So, how does the triple lock work and what could take its place? What is the cost to the country and is reforming the system as straightforward as it appears?

Niall Paterson is joined by Claire Moffat, a pension and tax expert at Royal London.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Who are you more likely to believe, Donald Trump or a farmer from the Cotswolds?

Five UK nationals have been arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared at an RAF airbase in Gloucestershire over the weekend.

But they were later released on bail, as counter-terror police remain “open-minded” about whether the incident is linked to a foreign state such as Iran.

So, why did the US president claim the group had been “under investigation” for a long time – while a local resident insists she was the one who alerted the police after spotting a group of masked men?

What do we know about this investigation? And what does it tell us about how the UK is being targeted by proxies?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s home affairs editor Jason Farrell.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Ed Sheeran is used to thousands of people singing his songs back at him. But last week, he found himself addressing his audience in a very different way.

After Macklemore left Sheeran’s tour following his comments about the war in Gaza, other performers on the bill also pulled out. Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia. Looking visibly upset, he addressed the crowd and apologised.

But for a singer who has built his career on being the ‘nice guy’, can Ed Sheeran come back from this? Or has this controversy permanently damaged the image he’s spent years building?

Niall Paterson is joined by musician and journalist John Robb.

John’s memoir Punk Rock Ruined My Life is available to buy now.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Recollection may vary, but the facts do not.

That’s something that was lost on Princess Diana’s brother in his new book about his sister’s life - which managed to squeeze in a mistake about Piers Morgan amongst its bombshell claims about the King.

The former Daily Mirror editor is now suing Earl Spencer and calling for the book to be pulped. So, what checks take place when a memoir is written? And why does the format allow people to publish unproven claims?

Niall is joined by the journalist Helen Brown, who writes about culture for The Telegraph.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk