Lead
Iraq's new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, faces the formidable challenge of controlling the country's numerous armed groups, many of which are backed by Iran. In recent weeks, several powerful Shi'ite militias have announced steps that could reshape the security landscape, but the extent and sincerity of these moves remain uncertain.
Coverage Comparison
The Jerusalem Post has reported on these developments through multiple articles, each offering a distinct angle. One report focused on the decisions by two prominent Iran-backed militias to disarm, while another examined the broader implications of the militias' potential break from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). A third analysis delved into the complex role of Iraqi judicial chief Faiq Zaidan and the strategic maneuvering around the premiership.
Key Claims
According to the Jerusalem Post, the Asaib Ahl al-Haq organization, led by Qais al-Khazali, and the Ktaeb Imam Ali group, headed by Shibl al-Zaidi, have announced their intent to hand over their weapons to state control. A statement from Ktaeb Imam Ali described the move as being made "out of national responsibility, to preserve the gains of victory, and to strengthen national unity." US Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, welcomed the decision, praising Prime Minister al-Zaidi and the groups for contributing to the "architecture of order."
This follows a decision by Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to integrate his group's armed capacity into the state's military forces. Al-Sadr, however, is not considered a direct proxy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), unlike Khazali and Zaidi.
Qais al-Khazali, in a sermon reported by Iraq's Shafaq News, suggested a shift in approach, stating that "resistance is no longer limited to military action alone, but extends to building a strong state capable of making its sovereign decisions." He added that "any resistance that does not have an integrated building project will turn into a burden on society over time."
However, not all groups are following suit. Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada (KSS) has reportedly rejected handing over its weapons to the government. Additionally, the Jerusalem Post reported that Iranian-backed militias have signaled they might break away from the government-backed Popular Mobilization Forces, potentially turning over some weapons while retaining others. The militias grew significantly after the ISIS attack on Iraq in 2014, with a fatwa from Ayatollah Ali Sistani encouraging mass mobilization. Up to 74 armed groups emerged from the conflict, and the PMF was later formalized as a state paramilitary force.
The US has also been pressuring Iraq to rein in threats to other countries, and has offered a $10 million bounty for information on four leaders of Iranian-backed militias.
Perspectives
US Officials: The disarmament steps by Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Ktaeb Imam Ali are welcomed as a positive step toward renewed Iraqi sovereignty and stability. Special Envoy Tom Barrack congratulated Prime Minister al-Zaidi on what he called a "significant step forward."
Militia Leaders: Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali frames the move as an evolution of resistance, emphasizing building a strong state over military action alone. Ktaeb Imam Ali describes its decision as an act of national responsibility.
Skeptical Analysts: The Jerusalem Post reports questions about whether the militias are genuinely disarming or merely making a formal change in status while keeping their weapons. An expert told UAE's Al-Ain media that after the victory over ISIS, "the competent authorities were supposed to dissolve these factions and return their members to society or integrate the qualified ones into official institutions," implying that this has not yet occurred.