DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

The illusion of change in Iraq: Baghdad's militia shake-up masks a deeper Iranian strategy

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Two powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Ktaeb Imam Ali, announced they will disarm and hand over weapons to the state.
  • This move follows a similar decision by Moqtada al-Sadr's militia and has been welcomed by US and Western officials as a step toward Iraqi self-governance.
  • However, the author suggests this is an adjustment and consolidation of Iran's influence within Iraq, orchestrated by key figures like Faiq Zaidan, rather than a genuine disbandment.

Two prominent Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Ktaeb Imam Ali, have announced their decision to disarm and transfer their weapons to state control. This development has been met with approval from US and other Western officials, who view it as a significant step toward renewed Iraqi self-governance and stability.

out of national responsibility, to preserve the gains of victory, and to strengthen national unity.

— Ktaeb Imam Ali statementExplaining the reason behind the militia's decision to disarm.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq, led by Qais al-Khazali, has formed a committee to manage the weapons handover and inventory. Ktaeb Imam Ali, headed by Shibl al-Zaidi, stated the move is driven by "national responsibility" to preserve victory gains and strengthen national unity. These decisions follow a similar integration of armed capacity into state forces by Moqtada al-Sadr's Saraya al-Salam militia a week prior.

congratulations to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi on this significant step forward, which represents the nascent foundation for a renewed Iraqi self-governance – grounded in restored sovereignty, enduring stability, and the promise of national renewal.

— Tom BarrackCommenting on the militia's decision to disarm.

US Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi on the development, calling it a "nascent foundation for a renewed Iraqi self-governance." He commended the groups for contributing to the "architecture of order" by returning weapons to the state.

We likewise commend those groups whose principled decision to return all weapons to the Iraqi state will contribute to the architecture of order.

— Tom BarrackPraising the militias for handing over weapons to the state.

However, the article suggests a more complex reality beneath the surface. The author posits that this is not a genuine disbandment of Iran's influence but rather an "adjustment and consolidation" of its "deep state" within Iraq. The key figure highlighted is Faiq Zaidan, chief of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, who is described as a "kingmaker" whose consultation is essential for prime ministerial candidates. Zaidan's influence was evident when Barrack visited him in April, a meeting that occurred in the context of US efforts to prevent the return of Iran-linked Nouri al-Maliki to the premiership, efforts that were supported by threats to withhold access to Iraqi dollar accounts.

Since 2018, no prime ministerial candidate has moved forward without [Zaidan’s] consultation, approval, or intervention.

— Ali MahmoudDescribing the political influence of Faiq Zaidan in Iraq.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog