Latest news with #Al-Bandawi
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq pushes PMF Law forward despite US warnings of Iranian influence
Shafaq News As the Iraqi Parliament advances legislation to formalize the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as an independent security institution, tensions with the United States are escalating. Washington warns the bill could entrench Iranian influence and undermine Iraqi sovereignty, while Iraqi officials insist the move is a long-overdue recognition of a key component of the national defense structure. The proposed law, known informally as the amended PMF Authority Law, is being debated amid a wider struggle over Iraq's security architecture and regional alignments. US officials view the legislation as a potential shift in the balance of power within Iraq's armed forces, one that may prioritize loyalty to Tehran-aligned factions over the Iraqi state. 'Legislating this type of law will entrench Iranian influence and terrorist armed groups that undermine Iraq's sovereignty,' US Secretary of State Marc Rubio reportedly told Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in a phone call last Wednesday, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. In response, al-Sudani defended the legislation, describing it as part of a broader security reform initiative passed by parliament. He emphasized that the PMF remains under the authority of the commander-in-chief and operates as an official security formation alongside Iraq's military and intelligence institutions. What the New PMF Law Proposes The legislation—now in its second reading in parliament—would repeal the 2016 law and reconstitute the PMF as a permanent, autonomous military body. Key provisions include: -Granting the PMF financial and administrative independence. -Formalizing it alongside institutions like the National Intelligence and National Security Services. -Authorizing new formations under the PMF umbrella. -Giving the PMF commission chief broad authority to implement restructuring and development. According to the Prime Minister's office, the draft law aims to improve institutional cohesion and extend benefits to families of fallen fighters. Iraqi Lawmakers Defend the PMF Iraqi lawmakers have pushed back against US objections, asserting that the PMF is a state-aligned institution. 'The Popular Mobilization Forces are an Iraqi security institution that receives salaries from the government and takes orders from the Commander-in-Chief, just like other security agencies,' said Ali Ni'ma al-Bandawi, member of the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, in comments to Shafaq News. Al-Bandawi emphasized the PMF's origin following Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's 2014 fatwa to defend the country against ISIS, calling it a 'sacred ideological force.' He said the law would enhance organizational structure and improve fighters' welfare, not deepen foreign ties. 'American and other foreign interference in drafting laws for the Iraqi Council of Representatives is unacceptable.' Al-Bandawi also criticized the withdrawal of some parliamentary blocs during the July 16 session, calling it 'a misguided step,' and reiterated that the Coordination Framework and State Administration Coalition hold enough votes to pass the law without consensus but prefer to preserve political partnership. Divisions Inside Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al- Mashhadani, in a recent televised interview, revealed that the US had sent messages to Iraqi political leaders expressing support for integrating the PMF—not expanding its autonomy. He warned that the draft law lacked clarity regarding PMF roles and authorities, making it difficult to implement effectively. This prompted backlash from MPs, who accused him of undermining national consensus and began collecting signatures to demand his removal. The law passed its second reading during the July 16 parliamentary session, chaired by First Deputy Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi, with 172 out of 329 lawmakers in attendance. Some Kurdish and Sunni MPs staged a walkout in protest. Expert Warnings of Strategic Fallout Western analysts view the legislation as a turning point. 'The law appears to institutionalize a military structure that is not fully loyal to the Iraqi government,' said Thomas Warrick, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and former US official at the Department of Homeland Security. 'The United States would prefer to see PMF members integrated into regular army units rather than maintaining autonomous formations.' Warrick acknowledged that some of the draft law's provisions are administrative in nature, but argued that others 'cause deep concern,' particularly regarding command chains and foreign influence. He emphasized that the US seeks a unified national military under elected constitutional leaders and remains wary of past cases where PMF leadership showed stronger loyalty to foreign actors than to Iraq's government. Ahmed Al-Yasiri, head of the Arab-Australian Center for Strategic Studies, echoed those concerns in remarks to Shafaq News, describing the PMF as a 'political institution' tied to Iranian regional strategy. He cited the US strike on PMF leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 as a reflection of Washington's view that the PMF threatened the US-designed post-2003 Iraqi security order. 'This law may grant legal cover to groups managed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Iraq,' Al-Yasiri said, warning that passing the bill could severely strain US–Iraq relations and jeopardize American investment and security cooperation, especially in northern regions like Duhok and Erbil, which have seen recent drone attacks blamed on Iran-linked armed forces. He added that the Al-Sudani government may be seeking to end the current legislative term with a 'containment measure' aimed at stabilizing internal dynamics—but risks alienating international partners. Alternative Perspective: A Shield of Sovereignty Sabah al-Akili, a Baghdad-based political commentator, described US opposition as 'a blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty,' accusing Washington of attempting to dismantle regional power structures that challenge Israeli and American interests. 'Any politician who abstains from supporting the PMF law is aligning with foreign agendas,' he told Shafaq News, arguing that neutralizing the PMF would expose Iraq to destabilization and regional fragmentation. He pointed to developments in Syria's Suwayda region and Lebanon as part of what he described as a wider campaign to redraw Middle Eastern borders through proxy manipulation and disarmament efforts targeting anti-Western forces. What Comes Next? If passed in its current form, the PMF law would deepen the divide between Iraq's Shiite-dominated political forces and US regional interests. It could trigger renewed scrutiny of US aid programs and military cooperation, especially if American bases or partners in Iraq become targets of groups shielded by the new legal framework. With Kurdistan Region factions already expressing concern, and Sunni parties signaling defection from the legislative process, the law could also reawaken sectarian and federalist tensions. At the same time, proponents argue that formalizing the PMF is essential for preserving national unity—and that sidelining it could invite greater chaos and foreign intervention.
Iraqi News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraqi parliamentary committee to probe wave of drone attacks on key military and civilian sites
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Parliament's Security and Defense Committee will hold an important meeting next week to question government and military officials about a recent, alarming wave of unclaimed drone and rocket attacks that have targeted strategic military and civilian infrastructure across Iraq, from the southern province of Dhi Qar to Kirkuk in the north. The decision for a high-level inquiry, announced by committee member Ali Al-Bandawi on Tuesday (July 2, 2025), comes after a series of brazen attacks that have exposed vulnerabilities in the nation's airspace and raised serious questions about its security readiness. 'The committee decided to hold an important meeting to discuss the recent breaches, the penetration of Iraqi airspace, and the targeting of the air defense radar at Al-Taji base,' Al-Bandawi stated. The most recent incidents occurred late Monday night. Kirkuk International Airport was struck by projectiles, prompting a high-security alert at vital facilities across northern Iraq. Shortly after, security sources reported that Iraqi defenses successfully shot down an unknown drone in the vicinity of the critical Baiji oil refinery in Salah al-Din province. These events follow a pattern of escalating attacks over the past week. On June 24, the Security Media Cell confirmed that two drones violated Baghdad's airspace; one crashed, while the other successfully struck a non-operational air defense radar at Al-Taji military base north of the capital. The threat extends to the south as well. A high-level security source in Dhi Qar revealed in late June that a key radar at Imam Ali Air Base had been destroyed in a surprise drone attack, leaving the southern region's airspace 'open.' This followed days of unidentified drones conducting reconnaissance over the air base and the high-security Nasiriyah Central Prison ('Al-Hout'), which holds many dangerous terror convicts, sparking fears of a potential prison break attempt. The parliamentary committee's planned meeting will see government and Ministry of Defence officials summoned to provide explanations for these repeated security breaches and outline the measures being taken to protect Iraq. The Kirkuk Governor, Rewbar Taha, had previously announced a local investigation, linking the shelling in his city to a preceding anti-ISIS operation, but the nationwide pattern suggests a more complex and coordinated challenge. As Iraqi authorities launch high-level investigations into these incidents, the country grapples with a systematic campaign targeting its strategic assets. The upcoming parliamentary inquiry will be a critical test of the government's ability to provide security and hold the perpetrators accountable in the face of severe and repeated violations of its national sovereignty.
Shafaq News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
US warning on Iranian influence in Iraq signals potential policy shift
Shafaq News/ A fresh wave of concern has swept through Baghdad's political class following pointed remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described Iran's growing influence in Iraq as a "serious threat to American interests." Rubio's testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday is widely seen as a signal that the United States may be preparing to reassess its relationship with Iraq —potentially taking decisive measures if Baghdad fails to curb the influence of Iran-backed factions. The Secretary painted a stark picture of Iran's deepening reach into Iraq's political and security institutions. He cited the increasing entrenchment of pro-Iranian elements in key state structures and warned that their presence poses a rising threat to US personnel, facilities, and strategic objectives. Rubio specifically referenced armed groups that have previously targeted American assets in Iraq, suggesting that preparations for future attacks are underway. While Washington's concerns are not new, the tone and platform of Rubio's statement—delivered in a formal Congressional hearing—signal a heightened level of urgency, particularly in the context of the Biden administration's revived pressure strategy on Iran and its regional proxies. Observers argue that Rubio's remarks reflect more than rhetorical positioning; they highlight Washington's mounting frustration with Baghdad's perceived inability—or reluctance—to rein in the influence of factions aligned with Tehran. Iraqi Lawmakers: Misplaced Statements The response from Iraqi lawmakers was swift. MP Ali Nehme Al-Bandawi, a member of the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, rejected Rubio's comments as inaccurate and politically motivated. Speaking to Shafaq News, Al-Bandawi emphasized that Iraq's government is constitutionally legitimate and representative, elected by the Iraqi people, and does not tolerate foreign interference. 'These statements are neither new nor reflective of reality,' Al-Bandawi said, stressing that Baghdad exercises full sovereignty and does not permit neighboring states—or any external actor—to influence its internal decisions. He also pointed to Iraq's growing diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners, asserting that the country is playing a constructive role in promoting peace and cooperation across the region. 'Baghdad has become a platform for dialogue, not conflict,' he added. Kurdish View: Familiar Demands from Washington Wafa Karim, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), noted that US demands to limit Iranian influence in Iraq are not new, but have persisted for years—particularly those concerning support for armed factions that Washington views as threats to its interests. Karim told Shafaq News that the Trump administration had previously pursued a policy aimed at removing Iranian influence and placing all weapons under state control—a policy that included disarming non-state forces. 'Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has made repeated pledges to integrate militias into state forces and dissolve their military structures,' Karim said. 'But these promises remain largely unfulfilled, leaving Iraq vulnerable to external pressure and internal instability.' Karim also linked the renewed US warnings to ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. 'Washington is signaling that Iraq must begin to detach itself from Tehran and its regional affiliates. Given the shifting geopolitical landscape and the declining cohesion of the so-called Shiite Crescent, Iraq may soon have little choice but to adapt.' He warned that the US may impose consequences if Baghdad fails to act—particularly if militias remain intact and cross-border smuggling of oil and currency to Iran continues. Strategic Calculations Behind the US Position Ihsan Al-Shammari, professor of strategic and international studies and head of the Political Thinking Center, sees Rubio's remarks as part of a broader American reassessment of Iraq's strategic role. Speaking to Shafaq News, Al-Shammari explained that Washington increasingly views Iraq through the lens of its Iran containment strategy. He pointed to the recent National Security Presidential Memorandum reinstating maximum pressure on Iran, which also listed Iraq as a key theater of concern. 'The Al-Sudani government has not met US benchmarks on curbing Iranian influence,' Al-Shammari noted. 'There's been no dismantling of Tehran's networks inside Iraqi institutions, and the government has failed to disarm or neutralize the role of militias aligned with Iran.' He added that Tehran's continued sway over Iraqi politics is also undermining Washington's efforts to strengthen Baghdad–Erbil relations. 'Iran-backed actors are actively obstructing energy agreements signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government and US firms—agreements central to American interests in the region,' he said. 'These tensions could redefine how Washington engages with Baghdad in the near future.' Oil Contracts and Kurdish Autonomy: A Flashpoint Rubio also stressed the need to respect the autonomy of the Kurdistan Region and to honor agreements involving US companies operating there. His comments coincided with a new dispute between Baghdad and Erbil over energy contracts. Earlier this week, Iraq's Oil Ministry objected to energy agreements signed in Washington between the KRG and two US-based firms—HKN and WesternZagros—arguing that such deals were unauthorized. In response, the KRG's Ministry of Natural Resources clarified that the contracts were not new and had already been approved by Iraqi courts. The ministry stated that the agreements were legally valid and unchallenged. The disagreement highlights the growing tension between the federal and regional governments and may reflect deeper political divides that could trigger further US engagement—particularly if economic interests are jeopardized. A Pivotal Crossroads Whether Rubio's remarks translate into policy action remains to be seen, the United States appears increasingly unwilling to tolerate what it perceives as Iraq's failure to curb Iran's footprint. With Prime Minister al-Sudani caught between competing internal forces and external expectations, his government faces narrowing room for maneuver. As Al-Shammari noted, Washington may soon shift from issuing warnings to redefining its approach—whether through diplomatic pressure, conditional aid, or adjusted security policies.
Shafaq News
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Succession showdown: PMF laws delayed over power struggle
Shafaq News / Iraqi lawmakers are locked in a heated debate over two key laws related to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), delaying their passage amid unresolved leadership disputes. The PMF Administrative Structure Law defines the framework governing the duties, responsibilities, and rights of PMF leaders and personnel. Originally passed as Law No. 40 of 2016, the legislation consists of 17 articles regulating administrative and structural matters, including the establishment of new directorates and their legal affiliations. Parliament previously conducted a first reading of the bill, with a second reading and possible approval expected after the Eid holiday. Lawmaker Alaa Al-Bandawi told Shafaq News Agency that the law equates the position of PMF chief to a ministerial role but does not grant full ministerial benefits, particularly regarding retirement. Separately, the PMF Service and Retirement Law, which aims to formalize the force's organizational structure, remains a subject of heated debate. The draft includes more than 86 provisions addressing the rights of PMF personnel, martyrs, wounded, missing individuals, and brigade commanders. The most contentious issue is the retirement age for commanders, a provision opposed by several political blocs. Its implementation would affect over 4,000 PMF members, including senior brigade leaders and the head of the authority, raising concerns over leadership succession. According to Al-Bandawi, the delay in passing the PMF Service and Retirement Law is primarily due to the lack of a clear successor for the current PMF chief, Faleh Al-Fayyad. He noted that in its last session, the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee hosted key PMF figures, including Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Amiri and the PMF secretary-general, to address disputed clauses, particularly retirement age regulations. 'While the law grants the PMF chief ministerial-level duties, it does not extend ministerial retirement privileges. The bill remains under review, pending amendments before it can be reintroduced for parliamentary approval,' he added. Al-Bandawi revealed that the Parliament is scheduled to reconvene after Eid al-Fitr holiday to discuss and vote on several key bills, including the PMF Laws. However, parliamentary sources told Shafaq News that no official directive has been issued regarding a legislative session next week, and no agenda has been circulated.
