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Iraq

Policy Analysis on Iraq

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Brief Analysis
Planning Beyond a Baghdad-Kurdistan Budget Deal
Iraq’s bloated 2023 budget has created space for the Kurds to get a share of the wealth this year, but preparing for the next leap to permanent solutions is more important.
Mar 24, 2023
◆
  • Michael Knights
Muhandis company launch event leadership attendeees
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
How to Use Militia Spotlight: Profiles
The profiles are a repository of institutional memory on the various armed groups, facade groups, and social organizations associated with Iraqi militias, to be used as concise reminders of how these entities are connected.
Mar 24, 2023
◆
  • Michael Knights
◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles
Articles & Testimony
Orbital Fluctuations Among the Iran-Supported Militias in Iraq
Astronomical models provide a surprisingly helpful illustration of how Iran-backed armed groups wield power in the MENA region.
Mar 22, 2023
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  • Michael Knights
Muhandis company launch event leadership attendeees
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
The Muhandis Company: Iraq’s Khatam al-Anbia
Similar to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Iraqi "resistance" groups have long sought a company with preferential access to lucrative state contracts, and the Sudani government is finally providing them after years of opposition—on the Saudi border no less.
Mar 21, 2023
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  • Michael Knights
  • Hamdi Malik
  • Crispin Smith
◆ Militia Spotlight
An Iraqi member of a Shia PMF militia
Articles & Testimony
Remaking Iraq: How Iranian-Backed Militias Captured the Country
The slow-rolling regime change focused on capturing U.S.-supported institutions and turning them against U.S. interests, highlighting the threat that motivated, well-funded groups pose to developing democracies.
Mar 20, 2023
◆
  • Crispin Smith
  • Michael Knights
CMC van
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Profile: Communications and Media Commission
After falling under the control of "resistance"-linked board members, this key Iraqi media institution began a widespread crackdown on freedom of expression.
Mar 20, 2023
◆
  • Hamdi Malik
  • Michael Knights
  • Crispin Smith
◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
How Iraqis View Life after the Fall of Saddam—Twenty Years Ago and Today
Two decades after the fall of Saddam Hussein, widespread frustration with the current state of Iraq is leading increasing numbers to express a negative view of life in the post-Saddam era in public opinion polling.
Mar 19, 2023
◆
  • Munqith Dagher
Rayan al-Kildani and Muhandis
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Profile: Kataib Babiliyoun (50th PMF Brigade)
Kataib Babiliyoun pretends to be a local Christian unit, but its members have been recruited from Shia Muslim communities in southern Iraq with the goal of dominating Iraq's strategic Nineveh Plains region.
Mar 16, 2023
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  • Michael Knights
  • Yaqoub Beth-Addai
◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles
NPU Nineveh Plains
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Nineveh Plains Christians Defend Against the Babiliyoun Militia
An Iran-backed militia run by a notorious human rights abuser was kicked out of a Christian town after it tried to replace local police leaders.
Mar 16, 2023
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  • Yaqoub Beth-Addai
◆ Militia Spotlight
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Electoral Law: Signaling a Short-Lived Run for Iraq’s Independent MPs?
A change to the Sainte-Laguë representation system will significantly hinder the ability of smaller parties and independent candidates to win seats in Iraq's next elections.
Mar 16, 2023
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  • Ashleigh Whelan
  • Mohanad Adnan
PMF troops in Iraq
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Mainstreaming Hashd Commanders (Part 2): Fifty-Fold Increase in Officer Training
This year has seen a massive increase in the training of Iraqi militia officers at Defense Ministry academies, and a dedicated PMF training college might be developed under expanded legislation.
Mar 15, 2023
◆
  • Amir al-Kaabi
  • Michael Knights
◆ Militia Spotlight
Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Abu Zaynab al-Lami
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Mainstreaming Hashd Commanders (Part 1): Advanced Education for Senior Militiamen
U.S.-designated terrorists and human rights abusers are beginning to receive senior ranks, staff college certification, and national security degrees at Iraqi and Arab military schools.
Mar 15, 2023
◆
  • Michael Knights
  • Amir al-Kaabi
◆ Militia Spotlight
New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the first regular session of the Council of Ministers in Baghdad in November 2022 - source: Reuters
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Iraq’s Endless Electoral Law Debate
The Coordination Framework is poised to yet again change Iraq's electoral law, continuing a history of such changes that have destabilized and delegitimized the political system.
Mar 2, 2023
◆
  • Feyzullah Tuna Aygün
EJ
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
How Militia Digital Media Avoid Domain Seizure and Blocking
Outlets run by terrorist groups Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba continue to modify their domain names and social media brands to dodge shutdowns.
Mar 2, 2023
◆
  • Ranw Hassan
◆ Militia Spotlight
Abu Fadak in Syria
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
How the Popular Mobilization Forces Exploited Syria's Earthquake
Now that Iraqi PMF groups can deploy to Syria with Baghdad's formal authorization, many cross-border militant activities may accelerate under the cover of earthquake relief.
Feb 27, 2023
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  • Erik Yavorsky
◆ Militia Spotlight
Taremiyah
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
The Jurf al-Sakhar Model: Militias Debate How to Carve Out a New Enclave North of Baghdad
Tactical disagreements among "resistance" leaders underline their competition for prime real estate and local partners near the capital.
Feb 20, 2023
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  • Amir al-Kaabi
  • Michael Knights
  • Hamdi Malik
◆ Militia Spotlight
Blinken Hussein
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Variables the United States Should Consider on Dollar Smuggling in Iraq
U.S. pressure on Iraq to prevent dollar smuggling and dinar laundering can protect Iraq’s sovereignty and weaken Iran. But if executed without deliberation, this pressure could allow Russia and China to enhance their positions in the Middle East.
Feb 15, 2023
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  • Frzand Sherko
Brief Analysis
The Islamic State in 2023: Threat Levels and Repatriation Questions
The latest UN report on the terrorist organization highlights the need for more progress on addressing repatriation challenges, new financing methods, weapons proliferation, and threats to African stability, among other issues.
Feb 15, 2023
◆
  • Devorah Margolin
Photo of an oil facility in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Articles & Testimony
Tipping Point of the Iraq-KRG Energy Dispute
Baghdad’s legal wins won’t mean much if it mishandles the political end, angers Turkey, and further damages the country’s reputation as a reliable oil partner.
Feb 13, 2023
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  • Bilal Wahab
JT
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Iraq’s "Muqawama Government" Drives Out Prominent LGBTQ Advocate
Officials appear to be cracking down on freedom of speech and alternative lifestyles opposed by the self-styled militia "resistance."
Feb 10, 2023
◆
  • Hamdi Malik
  • Amir al-Kaabi
  • Michael Knights
  • Crispin Smith
◆ Militia Spotlight

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Featured experts

Michael Eisenstadt
Michael Eisenstadt
Michael Eisenstadt is the Kahn Fellow and director of The Washington Institute's Military and Security Studies Program.
Michael Knights
Michael Knights
Michael Knights is the Jill and Jay Bernstein Fellow of The Washington Institute, specializing in the military and security affairs of Iraq, Iran, and the Persian Gulf states. He is a co-founder of the Militia Spotlight platform, which offers in-depth analysis of developments related to the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.
Bilal Wahab
Bilal Wahab
Bilal Wahab is the Nathan and Esther K. Wagner fellow at The Washington Institute.
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