Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani to disarm Shia militia groups. The Shia militias gained power in Iraq during the war against the Islamic State. The groups were an effective fighting force against the jihadists.
Secretary Rubio spoke with Sudani on Tuesday. The Secretary highlighted the urgency in disarming Iran-backed militias that undermine Iraq’s sovereignty, threaten the lives and businesses of Americans and Iraqis, and pilfer Iraqi resources for Iran,” a readout from the State Department said. “The Secretary reiterated the U.S. commitment to working closely with Iraqi partners to advance our shared interests: safeguarding Iraqi sovereignty, bolstering regional stability, and strengthening our economic ties.”
In an effort to overthrow the Syrian government, President Barack Obama authorized the CIA to send weapons to rebels. Predictably, the policy of arming and funding the Sunni opposition to Bashar al-Assad led to the rise of ISIS.
After taking a significant portion of Syria, ISIS moved into Iraq and declared the creation of a Caliphate. ISIS won quick victories and took control of major cities because the US-built Iraqi military crumbled.
In response to the Islamic State’s capture of Mosul and other cities, Shia militias, backed by Iran, formed in Iraq. The militias, such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, emerged as a critical force in pushing ISIS out of Iraq.
The Shia militias effectively became allies of the US in the fight against ISIS in Iraq. However, after the Sunni jihadist threat was quashed, Washington became concerned about the strength of the Shia militias. The militias were closer to Iran than the US.
In response to US and Israeli strikes on the Shia militias in Iraq and Syria, they have retaliated by launching rockets and drones at US bases in the Levant. Some US soldiers have been killed and injured in those attacks.
Some of the Shia militias signaled in April that they were prepared to disarm to prevent the US and Israel from bombing Iraq. The militias have also called on the US to withdraw its forces from Iraq. While President Joe Biden agreed to draw down US forces in Iraq, the Trump administration says it will only engage in a minor reduction in soldiers.
