Debate over the future of Shiite militia groups in Iraq amid regional and international pressure

The future of Hashd al-Shaabi, a pro-Iranian Shiite militia integrated into Iraq’s defense forces, is under scrutiny as international pressure mounts on Iraq to dissolve or reform the group.

Formed in 2014 to combat ISIS under a fatwa by Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Hashd al-Shaabi later became a formal part of Iraq’s military through legislation. However, its continued existence as a semi-autonomous force has drawn criticism, with accusations of advancing Iran’s regional agenda and contributing to instability.

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