Iraq’s paramilitary groups say they will disarm. Will that ever happen?
Summary
Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged to take control of all weapons and disarm paramilitary groups to strengthen state security. Some groups, including one led by influential Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, have agreed to integrate into the Iraqi armed forces, while others refuse to disarm, making the situation uncertain.Key Facts
- Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi promised to control all weapons under the state and improve security forces.
- Iraq has many paramilitary groups, some supported by Iran, that have had power since the 2003 US-led war.
- The US is pressuring Iraq to disarm these groups amid tensions involving Iran and regional conflicts.
- Iraq’s economy is struggling due to the regional war and a sharp drop in oil exports from about 3.3 million barrels per day to 600,000 barrels per day.
- Oil sales make up over 90% of Iraq’s government budget.
- Muqtada al-Sadr’s Saraya al-Salam group agreed to dissolve itself and join the Iraqi armed forces.
- Other groups, including Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Hezbollah, have either promised or refused to disarm.
- Experts suggest disarming should be careful and peaceful to avoid violence and isolate groups that refuse compliance.
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