Iraq Seeks to Curb Iranian Influence by Integrating Armed Groups into State Forces

Amidst declining Iranian influence, Iraq is urging armed groups to disarm and integrate into state security forces. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stressed the unacceptability of armed factions outside state control. Concerns arise over regional instability, prompting discussions on the state’s security reforms and cooperation with the U.S. as upcoming elections loom.

Iraq is seeking to reduce the influence of Iranian-backed extremists as Tehran’s power diminishes in the region. The Iraqi government, under Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, is urging armed groups, particularly those aligned with the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), to disarm and integrate into state security forces or the officially recognized Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Hussein emphasized that groups operating outside government control are intolerable and expressed hope that these factions would agree to disarm.

Amid fears of regional instability following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, Iraq is determined not to follow suit. Commentary from Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies indicates that the weakening of Iranian influence largely motivates Iraq’s strategy. Schanzer’s analysis reflects concerns about the corrosive impact Iran’s presence has on Iraqi governance and security.

The IRI is an umbrella group for armed militias that have formerly received support from Iran while conducting operations against U.S. and Israeli interests. In January 2024, this group was implicated in the deaths of three U.S. service members in Jordan. The situation remains volatile as Iraq grapples with the implications of Iran’s diminishing regional power and the need to assert control over armed factions.

The Popular Mobilization Forces originated in 2014, following a call by the Shia cleric ali al-Sistani to combat the Islamic State. Supported by Iranian military advisers, the PMF has become integrated into Iraq’s formal security establishment, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. Experts, including Inna Rudolf from King’s College London, note the complexity of managing the IRI factions that have become increasingly prominent in recent weeks.

Observers are wary as political negotiations take place, given potential implications for security cooperation with the United States. Caroline Rose, an analyst at the New Lines Institute, recognizes that ongoing reforms surrounding the PMF reflect Iran’s weakened position in Iraq. The upcoming elections and Prime Minister Sudani’s negotiations with the U.S. will be critical in determining Iraq’s security landscape, especially concerning threats from rogue armed groups.

The article discusses Iraq’s efforts to diminish the influence of Iranian-backed extremist groups as Tehran’s power declines in the Middle East. It highlights the challenges faced by the Iraqi government in integrating these factions into formal state structures while maintaining regional security amid geopolitical tensions. The article also outlines the background of the armed groups involved, like the IRI and PMF, and their roles in Iraq’s security landscape. Furthermore, it reflects the broader implications for U.S.-Iraq relations as Iraq attempts to manage its internal factions while cooperating with international allies.

In conclusion, Iraq is at a critical juncture as it seeks to regain control over armed groups affiliated with Iran. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein’s call for disarmament and integration of these groups indicates a significant shift in Iraq’s security strategy. The upcoming elections and negotiations with the U.S. will be pivotal for Iraq’s stability and its ability to assert authority over rogue factions, reflecting a broader struggle against Iranian influence in the region.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com