The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) reaffirmed their allegiance to Iran, particularly honoring the late Qassem Soleimani, during a meeting in Diyala. As Iranian-backed militias refocus from Israel to Syria, significant political interactions are occurring, including discussions about potential influences on Iraq’s governance, particularly regarding Sunni leaders and Kurdish aspirations in light of the new Syrian regime.
In recent declarations reported by Iran’s state media IRNA, the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, reaffirmed their allegiance to Iran. Faleh Al-Fayyad, the head of the PMU, articulated this loyalty during a meeting held in Diyala province, which commemorated the defeat of ISIS in December 2014. He emphasized the importance of their connection to Iran, particularly honoring the legacy of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, who was instrumental in the battle against Daesh before his assassination in a US drone strike in January 2020.
Moreover, Al-Fayyad recalled Abu Madhi al-Muhandis, another significant figure within the PMU who perished alongside Soleimani during the US airstrike. These sentiments come amid a shifting focus among Iranian-backed militias, which have recently redirected their attention from Israel to ongoing developments in Syria. The new Syrian leadership, represented by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has engaged in discussions with Iraqi delegations, including a meeting with Hamid al-Shatri, the head of Iraq’s National Intelligence Service.
Additionally, Hadi al-Amiri, leader of the Badr Organization and a notable member of the PMU, expressed confidence regarding the new political landscape in Syria, stating, “We are not afraid of the new Syria.” He also conveyed concerns that the shifts in Syria could exert influence over Iraqi affairs, voicing that regional stability is imperative, particularly in regard to preventing the division of Syria. Amid these changes, Sunni leaders in Iraq anticipate potential advantages from Syria’s newly established order, while the Kurdish region closely monitors the implications of these developments for their political aspirations.
The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) were formed in the context of combating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which posed a significant threat to Iraq from mid-2014 until its eventual expulsion in 2017. The PMU consists of various militia groups, many of whom are aligned with Iran. Their continued allegiance to Iran is a crucial aspect of Iraq’s intricate political landscape, influenced by regional dynamics. Understanding the relationship between Iraq’s militias and Iran, particularly following significant events such as the assassinations of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Madhi al-Muhandis, is essential to grasping the current geopolitical shifts, including the recent development in Syria.
In summary, the PMU’s reaffirmation of allegiance to Iran underlines the enduring influence Tehran wields over these militia groups in Iraq. While attentions turn towards Syria amid a changing political environment, the ramifications of these developments are significant for Iraq’s internal dynamics, particularly concerning Sunni and Kurdish political aspirations. The responses of Iraq’s leadership lend context to the broader regional shifts which warrant close observation given their potential impact on stability in the area.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
