Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are contemplating a shift away from the government-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), potentially transferring some of their weapons to the state. This development raises questions about whether the militias will genuinely alter their operational status or simply redefine their roles while maintaining their armaments and behaviors. These militias, which gained prominence after the rise of ISIS in 2014 following a call to arms by Shi’ite cleric Ayatollah Ali Sistani, were formalized as state paramilitary forces. Despite the defeat of ISIS in 2017, many groups within the PMF remain linked to Iran and are designated as terrorists by the US. Recently, Shi’ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced that his group would come under state control, prompting other factions to consider distancing themselves from Iran-aligned groups. This shift is seen as a possible response to increased US pressure on Iraq to disband these militias.
Why It Matters
The existence of armed groups outside the official Iraqi military framework poses significant challenges to national sovereignty and stability. Post-ISIS, Iraq’s PMF was intended to integrate these militias into official institutions, yet many groups have continued to operate independently, often aligned with Iranian interests. The US has been pushing Iraq’s new leadership to curb the influence of these militias, which have conducted numerous attacks and threaten regional security. The ongoing involvement of these groups in regional conflicts, coupled with their heavy weaponry, undermines the Iraqi constitution, which prohibits non-state armed forces. This situation complicates Iraq’s political landscape and its relations with both the US and Iran.
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