Iraqi Militias Reaffirm Loyalty to Iran Amid Regional Shifts

The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units reaffirm their allegiance to Iran amid regional shifts, particularly following changes in Syria. Leaders emphasize loyalty to figures like Soleimani, while political dynamics evolve as Sunni and Kurdish factions in Iraq reassess their positions and potential influence.

The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), known as Hashd al-Shaabi, reaffirmed their allegiance to Iran during a meeting in Diyala province, as reported by Iran’s state media agency, IRNA. Faleh Al-Fayyad, the head of the PMU, emphasized the group’s loyalty to Iran, particularly highlighting the contributions of the late Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in the fight against ISIS, who was assassinated by a US drone strike in January 2020. With a shift in focus, Iranian-backed militias are now prioritizing developments in Syria over tensions with Israel.

Al-Fayyad’s statements coincide with a notable meeting involving Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader, and an Iraqi delegation headed by Hamid al-Shatri of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service. Hadi al-Amiri, leader of the Badr Organization and part of the PMU, articulated that while his group harbors no fears regarding the changing dynamics in Syria, there are apprehensions about potential impacts on Iraq, emphasizing the need for Syria’s territorial integrity.

Political dynamics within Iraq are also undergoing scrutiny, particularly regarding Sunni leaders who perceive potential benefits from the political shift in Syria, which they believe may empower Sunni interests within Iraq. Furthermore, the autonomous Kurdistan region is closely monitoring these changes, with hopes that a potential unification of Kurdish political factions in Syria could yield advantageous outcomes for their political alliances in Iraq.

The article discusses the evolving allegiance of Iraqi militias, particularly the PMU, to Iran amid changes in regional political dynamics. Following the defeat of ISIS, which was heavily combated by these militias, leaders express their ongoing loyalty to Iran and commemorate key figures lost in the conflict, such as Soleimani. The context of shifting political power in Syria further complicates relations as Iraqi groups reassess their positions, reflecting on the broader implications for regional stability.

In summary, the Iraqi PMU remains steadfast in its allegiance to Iran, as articulated by their leaders during recent meetings. With significant geopolitical shifts in Syria, Iranian-backed militias are adjusting their focus from Israel to regional developments that could impact Iraq. Political factions within Iraq are strategically maneuvering to exploit these changes, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional politics and the potential for future shifts in power dynamics.

Original Source: www.jpost.com