Iraqi Foreign Minister: Disarming PMU and Hezbollah by Force is Not an Option

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated on August 18 that efforts to pass a new law in the parliament to regulate the status of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are coming at the wrong time. He emphasized the government’s inability to disarm the resistance factions comprising the PMU by force.

In an exclusive interview on Iraqi TV, Hussein remarked, “The timing of introducing the Popular Mobilization Forces law was wrong, and I was the only minister who expressed this within the cabinet before the draft law was sent to parliament, especially in light of the tense regional and international situation.”

The proposed law aims to update an existing statute governing the PMU, transforming it into a fully independent security institution that operates directly under the prime minister’s authority. This move would bypass both the Defense and Interior ministries, a significant shift reported by The Cradle.

Established in 2014, the PMU was formed to recruit volunteers to combat ISIS, which had rapidly taken control of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city. This initiative received covert support from the United States and Peshmerga forces loyal to Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani.

Hussein, who also holds the position of deputy prime minister, drew a parallel between the PMU’s situation in Iraq and Hezbollah’s status in Lebanon. He noted that the US is exerting pressure on the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah, which played a crucial role in defending the country against Israel’s invasion last year.

“Hezbollah’s weapons in Lebanon cannot be disarmed except through dialogue, and the Iraqis cannot disarm the Popular Mobilization Forces by force,” Hussein commented. He also pointed out that centralization of decision-making is a problem in Syria, suggesting that decentralization may offer a viable solution.

• Timing of the Law: Hussein believes that introducing the PMU law is ill-timed amidst regional tensions.
• Government’s Stance: He emphasized the inability to disarm the PMU factions through force.
• Law’s Objective: The new legislation aims to establish the PMU as an independent security body under the prime minister.
• Comparative Analysis: Hussein parallels the PMU with Hezbollah, stressing that both entities require dialogue for disarmament.

The ongoing discussions about the PMU’s status highlight the complex political landscape in Iraq and the broader Middle East. As the government navigates these challenges, the implications of the proposed law will be significant for both domestic stability and international relations.

With the situation continuously evolving, the Iraqi government faces a delicate balancing act. The need for security against terrorist threats is paramount, yet ensuring that the PMU operates within a framework that maintains national unity and respects various factions is equally critical.

As the law progresses through parliament, it will be essential for all stakeholders, including regional powers and local communities, to engage in constructive dialogue. Hussein’s assertion that “decentralization may be the solution” speaks to a broader need for inclusive governance that takes into account the diverse interests and concerns within Iraq.

In conclusion, the future of the Popular Mobilization Units remains uncertain as lawmakers deliberate on the proposed legislation. The outcome will likely shape Iraq’s political and security landscape for years to come, especially in light of external pressures and internal divisions.