Aside from the Kurds and Sunnis, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law does not enjoy Shiite support: 64 MPs are obstructing its passage.
Aside from the Kurds and Sunnis, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law does not enjoy Shiite support: 64 MPs are obstructing its passage.
2025-08-23 07:47
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi parliament member Jawad al-Yasari confirmed on Saturday that the failure to pass the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law in parliament to date is primarily due to the lack of Shiite consensus, followed by Sunni and Kurdish objections.
The leftist told Shafaq News Agency, “The Popular Mobilization Law has received the support of 116 Shiite MPs so far, out of approximately 180 Shiite MPs in parliament, but approximately 50 MPs are still needed to pass it.”
Regarding the reason for the other Shiite MPs’ lack of approval so far, he explained that “the Popular Mobilization Forces law has sparked disagreement even within the Shiite component over its passage. This disagreement is accompanied by American pressure on the Iraqi government, despite the fact that the Popular Mobilization Forces have no intention of invading America or any other country. Rather, the law is for the defense of itself and Iraq.”
On August 5, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed Washington’s objection to the Iraqi parliament’s efforts to enact the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law, noting that its passage would alter the nature of the bilateral security partnership with Baghdad.
In the same context, American researchers warned in a report published by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that passing the Popular Mobilization Forces law would undermine Iraqi security reforms and provide legal cover for factions operating outside state authority, including groups designated by the United States as “terrorist organizations.”
The United States, through its embassy in Baghdad, also reiterated its concern over the passage of the Popular Mobilization Forces Law.
The Iraqi parliament has been paralyzed since its August 5, 2025, session, during which a public dispute erupted between Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani and his deputy, Mohsen al-Mandalawi, over the right to chair the session. This led to the suspension of subsequent sessions to discuss key laws, including the Popular Mobilization Forces law, amidst the preoccupation of various blocs with election campaigns.
shafaq.com
