What's happened
Iraqi officials report progress in restricting weapons to state control, with some factions indicating willingness to disarm, contingent on foreign troop withdrawal. Key groups like Kataib Hezbollah remain resistant, citing resistance rights and sovereignty concerns amid ongoing political negotiations.
What's behind the headline?
The push for disarmament in Iraq signals a significant shift in the country's security landscape, but divisions remain. Key militia groups like Kataib Hezbollah insist weapons will stay until foreign troops leave, framing resistance as a right and sovereignty issue. Meanwhile, other factions acknowledge the need for weapons to be under state control, aligning with government efforts. This divergence highlights the fragile balance between national sovereignty and militia influence. The involvement of religious authorities and the US underscores external pressures shaping Iraq’s internal security policies. If disarmament progresses, it could lead to a more stable political environment, but persistent resistance suggests full integration remains a distant goal. The next steps will depend on foreign troop withdrawals and internal political consensus, with regional actors likely to influence outcomes.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Iraqi officials see 'effective progress' in weapon control, linking it to factional conditions like US troop withdrawal. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel highlights that groups like Kataib Hezbollah demand foreign troop exit before disarming, emphasizing resistance rights. Both sources agree that factions are shifting rhetoric but remain divided, with some insisting weapons are a right and others acknowledging the need for state control. The contrasting perspectives reveal a complex negotiation process, with external influences and internal factional interests shaping the trajectory of disarmament efforts.
How we got here
Recent months have seen increased calls within Iraq for armed factions to hand over weapons and integrate into state structures. The government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani, has emphasized a move towards calm politics and disarmament, amid longstanding US pressure and regional tensions. Historically, Iran-backed militias have maintained independent armed capabilities, complicating efforts for full disarmament and sovereignty.
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Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest and Syria to the west.