Iraqi Militias Come Under Pressure to Demobilize

Bottom Line Up Front
- Amid major setbacks for Iran and its Axis of Resistance, Iraq’s political leaders are trying to gain firm control over militias that are duly constituted forces but act outside the national chain of command.
- An armed clash at a government building between security forces and militia commanders in late July reflected their pushback against efforts to constrain their autonomy.
- Clashes and other forms of competition involving the militias will likely expand and intensify as the November 11 national elections approach.
- The outcome of Iraq’s debate over the militias might shape whether the country can integrate more closely into the Arab world and reduce Iranian influence in the country.