US Interference in Iraq Elections: Plot Against Popular Mobilization Forces Underway
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Al Mayadeen news outlet, US political activities in iraq have intensified ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. While washington recently imposed new sanctions on several Iraqi individuals and entities, a report by the European Institute for Middle Eastern Studies raised concerns that the US might not recognize the election results or cooperate with any government formed thereafter.
rising US Interference in Iraq’s Elections
The United States aims to prevent election outcomes that would strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) factions. In September last year, Washington designated groups including Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Ansar Allah al-Awfiyya Movement, and Kata’ib Imam Ali as terrorist organizations.
A few months ago, American pressure delayed parliamentary discussions on a draft law intended to integrate PMF into Iraq’s official military structure under formal command hierarchy. Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, disclosed messages from American officials opposing this legislation to political leaders.
Details of the PMF Draft Law
Article 18 of this draft defines PMF’s duties as “protecting the regime,” “defending the country,” ”safeguarding its unity and territorial integrity,” and combating terrorism. The head of PMF would hold ministerial rank and be a member of the National Security Ministerial Committee. He could delegate some powers to a Chief of Staff or secretary-General but must exercise military authority over personnel under defense ministry regulations.
Iraqi political analyst Saeed Al-Badri highlighted that discussions about potential US non-recognition of electoral results or refusal to cooperate with any government involving PMF are biased interventions into Iraq’s internal affairs.
He described these notions as reflecting western policies permitting intervention in Iraq’s sovereignty.Al-Badri emphasized that history shows PMF respects Iraqi popular choice and defends national independence against foreign interference; thus such rhetoric serves only as groundwork for undermining public opinion against it.
Washington Pushing Baghdad Toward Normalizing Relations With Israel
Addressing hypotheses around US rejection of election legitimacy, Al-Badri acknowledged it remains speculation but warned it could disrupt elections and increase pressure to install representatives aligned with American interests.
He stressed Iraqi unity is crucial to resist such demands; otherwise, dependence on Washington would deepen-leading Baghdad down a path toward normalizing ties with Israel-a move clearly rejected by national consensus in Iraq.
Al-Badri also pointed out that while elections express Iraqi citizens’ will, America will certainly escalate efforts supporting its allies’ integration into Iraq’s political framework.
Pretext for Extending Military Presence in Iraq
According to Al-badri’s information sources, Washington has no intention of withdrawing from Iraq but rather seeks to transform it into a regional base for influence. It aims to find excuses for extending its presence through choice frameworks despite past challenges demonstrating Iraq can secure itself independently.
The analyst called on Iraqi national forces to demand complete withdrawal instantly-especially considering constitutional provisions prohibiting foreign troop presence or use of Iraqi territory for antagonistic operations against other nations.
The Impact Of US Pressure On Internal Election Balance
Responding whether American pressures affect domestic political equilibrium between factions, Al-Badri said that politics in Iraq rest upon three pillars: participation, agreement, and balance.Any disruption threatens majority rights and facilitates foreign agendas invading internal decision-making processes.
<p he continued: "The upcoming elections are an internal affair conducted democratically-the ballot boxes will shape future politics leading ultimately toward an agreed prime minister."
“However,” he added,” irrespective of results Americans will intensify pressure trying side-step people’s mandates by advancing their own plans aimed at influencing or even staging covert interventions.”
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