Washington: When Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi engages in discussions at the White House, the topic of disarming Iran-aligned militias in Iraq is expected to be a significant focus. This issue is of particular importance given the context of the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
According to Deutsche Welle, these militias, primarily grouped under the Popular Mobilization Front (PMF), were initially formed in response to the threat posed by the Islamic State in 2014. Comprising approximately 240,000 fighters with a substantial budget, some PMF factions are linked to Iran's "Axis of Resistance," which includes groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Concerns have been raised about certain PMF factions allegedly attacking US bases in the region. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has highlighted the challenges posed by Iranian proxies in achieving regional peace.
In response to US pressure, including sanctions and threats to block oil revenues, the Iraqi government has pledged to bring all arms under state control by the end of September. Influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and other paramilitary groups have announced intentions to disarm, although skepticism remains about the sincerity of these pledges.
The PMF's political influence is significant, with their political representatives holding a considerable portion of seats in the Iraqi parliament. The relationship between politics and paramilitary activities complicates efforts to monitor disarmament effectively. Analysts suggest that while some PMF factions may shift focus towards politics, their ties to Iran and their strategic roles within the region persist.
The US's aim of neutralizing the threat posed by Iran-aligned groups is challenged by the complex dynamics in Iraq. While pledges to disarm may suggest a move towards a less confrontational stance, concerns about accountability for past crimes and the enduring influence of Iran remain.