Iraq’s paramilitary groups say they will disarm. Will that ever happen?
It was his first speech in front of parliament as Iraq’s prime minister, and Ali al-Zaidi was quick to set out his stall. “[I am committing to] reforming the security apparatus by restricting weapon…
It was his first speech in front of parliament as Iraq’s prime minister, and Ali al-Zaidi was quick to set out his stall. “[I am committing to] refor
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
The pledge by Iraq's paramilitary groups to disarm represents a potential turning point in the country's fragile post-conflict stability. If implemented, it could redefine the balance of power between state institutions and armed factions that have long operated with impunity, especially after years of political paralysis and security vacuums.
Background Context
Iraq's paramilitary forces, many of which emerged during the fight against ISIS, have evolved into powerful political and military actors with deep ties to Iran and competing domestic agendas. Their integration into state security structures under the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) umbrella has blurred the line between official and unofficial armed groups, complicating disarmament efforts.
What Happens Next
The feasibility of disarmament hinges on whether Baghdad can deliver credible incentives or enforce penalties to compel compliance, a task complicated by the groups' regional backers and their role in Iraq's patronage system. Observers will closely monitor whether the government prioritizes security reform over political expediency, particularly as parliamentary elections approach.
Bigger Picture
This moment reflects a broader struggle across the Middle East to consolidate state authority over armed non-state actors, where decades of state collapse and foreign interventions have normalized parallel security structures. Iraq's experience could set a precedent for how other post-conflict societies navigate the tension between national sovereignty and the legacy of militia politics.
