Iraq’s national security adviser, Qasim al-Arij, has confirmed that the government has called for the postponement of a highly controversial bill aimed at restructuring the popular Mobilising Forces (PMF), and strangely added, “Please don’t ask for reasons for postponement.”
The suspension of this law will be delayed until Alari is delayed after the next Congressional election and continues after a period of intense US diplomatic warnings.
In a televised interview, Alariji revealed that the decision was made after careful “assessment of internal and external conditions.” He explained that the bill “needs further explanations both at the Iraqi level in the country and at the outside before it is voted,” leading to the decision to postpone it.
Despite the postponement, Alariji conveyed a rebellious message about the future of the PMF, claiming its permanent location within the state’s security architecture.
“Hashd al-Sha’bi is a major and integral part of Iraq’s security and defense system,” he declared. “Therefore, we are not permitted to propose disbanding Hashdoah Xavi as it will operate under the umbrella of the military commander.”
rhm/