{
  "id": 10929568,
  "title": "Fears raised by critics as Iraqi government approves controversial PMF law",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/fears-raised-by-critics-as-iraqi-government-approves-controversial",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-30T11:34:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/09/30/fears-raised-by-critics-as-iraqi-government-approves-controversial-pmf-law/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Critics have expressed apprehension following Iraq's approval of the controversial Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) law, which the government subsequently referred to parliament for a vote. The PMF, also known as Hashd Al Shaabi, is a collection of mostly Shiite paramilitary groups that have been integrated into the country's security apparatus since their formation during Iraq's fight against ISIS. Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's office confirmed that the cabinet voted in favor of the bill, aligning with constitutional provisions.\n\nIf the bill is successful, it would grant the PMF permanent, legally protected status as a national security institution, providing them with benefits that would place them on equal footing with other military branches. The current version of the bill was initially approved by the government of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani in February 2025, but faced setbacks due to disagreements over retirement provisions and opposition from the US. Washington has voiced concerns that the law undermines Iraq's sovereignty and strengthens Iran's influence over the country's political and security matters.\n\nThe PMF, established in 2014, initially focused on combating ISIS but has since expanded to include several factions backed by Iran. Some of these groups have been accused of human rights abuses against civilians, a fact acknowledged by the government and the PMF as isolated incidents. The US has long accused certain factions of operating outside state control and targeting American interests in Iraq and Syria, leading to the blacklisting of senior PMF leaders between 2019 and 2021 under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.\n\nAn Iraqi official commented on the implications of the law, stating that it would \"give the PMF a permanent, legally protected status as a parallel armed institution inside the Iraqi state,\" a move they described as \"dangerous\" as it would \"further tighten Iran's grip on Iraq.\" This development comes as the United States officially wraps up its military mission in Iraq, concluding a 23-year presence. In 2014, the PMF was formed in response to the collapse of Iraqi forces and the advance of ISIS, spurred by Shiite cleric Ali Al Sistani's call to arms. A law regulating the PMF and integrating it under the prime minister's command was passed in 2016, but lacked specifics regarding employment terms and administrative structure.",
  "summary": "Iraq has approved a controversial law regarding the Popular Mobilisation Forces and referred it to parliament for voting as US forces concluded their mission in the country. The PMF, also known as Hashd Al Shaabi, is an umbrella organisation of mostly Shiite paramilitary groups integrated into state security, with several factions backed by Iran. The groups were formed during Iraq's war against…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Fears raised by critics as Iraqi government approves controversial PMF law",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/fears-raised-by-critics-as-iraqi-government-approves-controversial-10933909",
        "published": "2026-09-30T11:34:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}