Thread by @LawkGhafuri

1- What is happening in Iraq - mainly among Shiite political parties - is interesting and will soon make international headlines. But with all the attention on Syria, few are aware of the huge developments unfolding.

Short thread 🧵

2- Shiite political parties in Iraq are indecisive and confused on the future of Iranian-backed armed groups and the PMF, especially after Washington’s call to address these groups and resolve PMF’s role in Sunni-majority areas.

They remain paralyzed to make a decision.

3- The debate within Shiite politicians in Iraq is centered on PMF’s future. They believe it is challenging to dissolve the group in such a critical period, especially with the new leaders in Syria. They still have fear of ISIS resurgence in eastern Syria & spread into Iraq.

4- According to senior Iraqi official Abdul-Karim Al-Anzi, member of the Dawaa Islamic Party, Iraq is documenting crimes committed by Ahmed Al-Sharaa (Jolani) against Iraqis. Baghdad plans to determine how to proceed, as Iraq rejects Jolani running a neighboring country (Syria).

5- Ultimately, Iraq’s Shiite political parties and politicians will remain indecisive on the future of the Iranian-backed armed groups and the PMF, since the decision on the future of these groups are not in the hands of Baghdad, but Tehran is more powerful among these groups.

6- To be clear, Baghdad stands at a critical juncture regarding the future of Iranian-backed armed groups: disarm them to satisfy the US and ensure the withdrawal of US troops in September 2025, or keep them and risk becoming a target of a significant wave of regional aggression.