{
  "id": 2778350,
  "title": "Iraq PMF law risks entrenching Iran-backed militias as parallel force",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/iraq-pmf-law-risks-entrenching-iran-backed-militias-as-parallel-force",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T11:13:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/08/23/iraq-pmf-law-risks-entrenching-iran-backed-militias-as-parallel-force/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A proposed law that would grant the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) permanent status as a separate security entity in Iraq has raised concerns over the nation's future and sovereignty, according to experts and officials. The PMF, primarily composed of Shiite paramilitary groups, received financial and military backing from Iran during Iraq's fight against ISIS. The legislation seeks to freeze the PMF's current status and structure, potentially limiting future reforms and creating a parallel force with a multi-billion-dollar budget. Michael Knights, a strategic advisory firm's head of research, expressed fear that this move could entrench Iran-backed militias and diminish Iraq's democratic future. US officials have threatened to destabilise Iraq's economy if the PMF law is passed. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi faces pressure from the US to disarm the militias by September 30, the same deadline given to US troops for withdrawal. The militias, deeply entrenched in Iraq's political, economic, and social spheres, have been accused of carrying out numerous attacks on Israel and US forces. Iraqi officials argue that the law will provide the PMF with a permanent, legally protected status, but critics warn that this could strengthen Iran's hold on Iraq. The proposed law, approved by the previous government, is now being pushed again amid tensions over disarmament and a recent visit by Iranian officials to Baghdad.",
  "summary": "A proposed law that would further legitimise Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces as a permanent national security institution raises concerns over the country's democratic future and state sovereignty, experts and officials told The National . The PMF, also known as Hashd Al Shaabi, is an umbrella organisation of mostly Shiite paramilitary groups integrated into state security, with several…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Iraq PMF law risks entrenching Iran-backed militias as parallel force",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/iraq-pmf-law-risks-entrenching-iran-backed-militias-as-parallel-force-2779187",
        "published": "2026-08-23T11:13:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}