Al-Araby Al-Jadeed: Iraq Postpones Popular Mobilization Forces Law Approval to Next Parliament
The English section of webangah news agency, citing mehr News Agency and Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, reported that discussions around the draft PMF law-championed by political bodies and armed groups over recent months-have halted after its removal from parliamentary sessions in recent weeks.It remains unclear who pulled this legislation from parliament’s agenda; however,under mounting U.S. threats against the law, its review appears deferred until after Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections on November 11.
Iraq’s Parliament Deputy Speaker Shakhwan Abdullah argued that the PMF law harms Iraqi interests. He claimed iraq still requires American troops and coalition forces as ISIS has not been completely eradicated.
Some members of parliament allege that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani withdrew the bill from parliament and returned it to the Cabinet to block its approval; however, there has been no official response from the government concerning these claims.
While certain Shiite factions inside Iraq-including Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition-demand adoption of this legislation, others oppose it. Meanwhile, some parties within the Coordination Framework have called for amendments to soften provisions in order to align with establishing a military support front for Iraq’s army.
Iraqi MP Hadi al-Salami told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that several days ago, “the government suddenly removed” the PMF law from parliament’s agenda despite it having been read twice in parliament and being set for a vote. He said this move raises significant doubts amid U.S.pressure. “The Iraqi government must explain why it withdrew this draft,” he added, questioning whether Washington is imposing its will or if other reasons exist behind this decision.
In July,Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani revealed American messages sent to Iraq’s political leaders opposing passage of any PMF legislation. Ammar al-Hakim, head of Hikma Movement, also previously disclosed U.S. requests demanding dissolution or crippling measures against the Popular Mobilization Forces.
the 18-article draft assigns responsibilities to protect “the regime,” defend national unity and territorial integrity while combating terrorism. It grants PMF members financial benefits equivalent to those in Iraq’s army and allocates an annual budget dedicated toward development and armament similar to that given by Defense Ministry budgets.According to draft provisions, the PMF chief would hold ministerial rank with membership on national security committees; powers coudl delegate authority within leadership ranks while exercising defense ministry prerogatives over personnel according to military regulations.
In connection with these developments, Adi Khadran from Coordination Framework disclosed that during a recent meeting between top state officials-the “quadripartite leaders”-it was agreed internally both on delaying passage of jacketed legislation as well as withdrawing it altogether from parliament agendas temporarily in order preserve internal stability.
He clarified such postponement effectively defers any final decision about implementing new regulations on both upcoming parliaments following November polls-as well as future governments formed thereafter in Baghdad.”
The official founding date for Popular Mobilization Forces was 2016 through a fatwa issued by leading Shiite religious authorities endorsing formal establishment by parliamentary decree.The same year, then Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced integration into armed forces frameworks.
By 2020 compensation granted members equalized their pay scales fully with standard military soldiers across regular army units.”
