Iraq Can Only Disarm Militias Once US Troops Leave The Country
Iraq will only be able to disarm its militias after US troops leave the country, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani told Reuters in an interview on Monday.
Sudani’s comments come ahead of Iraq's highly anticipated parliamentary elections on 11 November.
Sudani is balancing between Washington, which is critical for Iraq’s dollar transactions, and neighbouring Iran, which backs a constellation of mainly Shia militias called the Popular Mobilisation Forces.
Sudani is courting public support ahead of elections as he seeks a second term in office.