By Al-Fassel | 2026-06-16

Two prominent armed factions in Iraq recently initiated a formal process to hand over their weapons.

Leaders from Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Imam Ali declared they would surrender their heavy military equipment to official state security forces.

This superficial disarmament immediately garnered positive reactions from Western officials and some Iraqi politicians.

Observers initially welcomed the move as a crucial step toward restoring national unity and renewed sovereignty.

However, closer inspection reveals this weapons handover is merely an illusion of change designed to deceive the public.

Analysts warn that these armed groups are not surrendering their influence or dismantling their powerful military networks entirely.

Instead, they are executing a calculated maneuver to integrate their fighters directly into official government institutions.

This strategic consolidation of power allows pro-Iranian elements to hijack the Iraqi state apparatus from within.

By operating under the state's banner, these militias legitimize their presence while maintaining total operational autonomy.

Behind this institutional transition stands Supreme Judicial Council Chief Faiq Zaidan, who orchestrates the political landscape behind the curtain.

Zaidan previously manipulated legal rules to secure a dominant role for pro-Iran factions during government formations.

Appointing businessman Ali al-Zaidi as Prime Minister further protects these armed groups from critical Western economic sanctions.

Consequently, this structural consolidation shields the broader Iranian network from accountability while maintaining a powerful grip on Baghdad.

These factions continue acting in their own strategic interests at the expense of ordinary citizens across Iraq.

Genuine Iraqi sovereignty remains profoundly compromised as long as external loyalties dictate critical national security and political decisions.

True national unity cannot exist while heavily armed groups manipulate the democratic process to serve foreign patrons.

As these militia forces embed themselves deeper into government, they weaken the authority of the legitimate Iraqi military.

Ultimately, this calculated integration strategy prevents the establishment of a strong, independent and truly prosperous Iraqi republic.

Supporters and sympathizers of the resistance recognize this process as a brilliant method to protect their operational capabilities without surrendering ground.

Rather than weakening their movement, this institutionalization solidifies their grip on the future of Iraq.