The Iraqi PMU has reiterated its allegiance to Iran while pivoting focus from Israel to developments in Syria. Faleh Al-Fayyad highlighted loyalty to Iranian leaders like Soleimani. The geopolitical shifts in Syria present both opportunities and challenges for Iraqi factions, including Sunnis and Kurds, as they navigate a changing political landscape.
Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, have reaffirmed their allegiance to Iran amidst shifting focus away from Israel, reported by Iranian state media IRNA. Faleh Al-Fayyad, PMU leader, expressed loyalty during a meeting aimed at commemorating the 2014 defeat of ISIS in Diyala province. His comments emphasized the group’s commitment to Iran, particularly to the legacy of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, who was instrumental in countering Daesh before his assassination in January 2020.
The PMU’s renewed allegiance occurs alongside a decrease in Iranian-supported militia attacks on Israel, with these groups redirecting their attention to developments in Syria following Ahmed al-Sharaa’s leadership change. Hadi al-Amiri, head of the Badr Organization, conveyed confidence about the new Syrian regime while expressing caution about its potential to affect Iraq.
Political dynamics within Iraq are also evolving. Sunni leaders believe that shifts in Syria could benefit aligned groups within Iraq, and Kurdish representatives are closely monitoring events to foster unity among Kurdish factions in the face of Syrian political changes.
This backdrop illustrates the interconnectedness of Iraqi and Syrian politics, highlighting the PMU’s allegiance to Tehran amid regional power shifts that could influence future alliances and conflicts in the area.
The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are a coalition of militias formally integrated into the Iraqi security framework, originally established to combat ISIS. Their connections with Iran, particularly with the Quds Force and key figures like Qassem Soleimani, have solidified over time. Recently, as the geopolitical landscape shifts, particularly with new Syrian leadership, the PMU’s focus appears to be transitioning away from Israel and instead is fixated on Syrian developments that reflect broader regional relations.
In summary, the reaffirmation of loyalty by the PMU to Iran, coupled with the strategic shift toward Syrian affairs, indicates the ongoing complexities within Iraqi and regional geopolitics. As these dynamics evolve, the PMU’s position may reflect broader implications for both Iraq and its relationships with neighboring countries, particularly in the context of shifting political landscapes and security developments.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
