Iraq is seeking to disarm and integrate Iranian-aligned armed groups into state forces amid dwindling Iranian influence. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein deems non-state armed factions unacceptable. While concerns about regional destabilization grow, there is optimism within Iraq about its ability to maintain stability and control. Upcoming elections will further influence Iraq’s security cooperation with the U.S.
With Iranian power diminishing in the Middle East, the Iraqi government is taking steps to disarm and integrate Iran-backed armed groups, particularly those within the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), into state security forces or the officially recognized Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that all armed groups outside state control are seen as unacceptable and expressed hope that political leaders can persuade these groups to become part of the armed forces under government supervision.
The instability in the region, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and the weakening of Hamas and Hezbollah, raises concerns that Iraq might be the next target for destabilization. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, emphasized that the collapse of the Assad regime was critical in prompting the Iraqi government to act against Iranian-aligned militias. However, Hussein reassured that he does not believe Iraq will become the next casualty of such events.
The IRI includes various armed Islamic factions tied to the Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance” and has been problematic for Iraq due to its operations against Israel and U.S. forces. Some of these groups have been implicated in incidents, like the attack that killed three U.S. servicemen in January 2024. The PMF, on the other hand, which was established in 2014 primarily to combat ISIS, is officially part of the Iraqi security framework and is directly accountable to the prime minister.
Current discussions focus on managing the Islamic Resistance factions, whose visibility has surged following recent conflicts. Inna Rudolf from King’s College London highlighted that many of these factions operate under the PMF’s umbrella. Decision-makers face the challenge of neutralizing these groups to prevent further destabilization of Iraq’s security and sovereignty during a delicate geopolitical period.
Although Iranian proxies have weakened following recent regional developments, pressure is increasing with speculation regarding potential Israeli retaliation against Iranian-affiliated groups in Iraq. Observers believe Iraq’s efforts to mitigate the influence of armed factions may indicate Iran’s declining position in the region, as emphasized by Caroline Rose, a senior analyst at the New Lines Institute, which points to significant reforms within the PMF as reflective of this shift.
As Iraq approaches elections, Prime Minister Sudani is working to establish a cooperative security arrangement with the U.S., which currently maintains about 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of the Operation Inherent Resolve campaign against ISIS. It is critical that Iraq demonstrates its ability to control rogue elements that threaten cohesion, as failure to do so might jeopardize U.S. support under the current administration.
The current political climate in Iraq has been affected by a combination of regional instability and the diminishing influence of Iran. The Iraqi government is taking a proactive stance in addressing the presence of armed groups that are aligned with Tehran but operate outside of state control. The integration of these factions into formal military structures is viewed as essential for maintaining sovereignty and security, especially given the historical context of ISIS’s rise and the ongoing tensions in the region.
Iraq’s efforts to rein in Iranian-backed militias signify a potential shift towards greater autonomy and improved relations with the West. By striving for the disarmament of these groups and their integration into recognized state forces, the Iraqi government demonstrates its intent to fortify national security. The political landscape remains delicate, with upcoming elections and regional uncertainty prompting vigilance from both Iraqi leaders and international stakeholders.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
