Iran-backed militia

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F-35 fighter aircraft against blue sky with two white contrails.

Making Sense of International Law in Light of Israel and Iran’s Latest Round of “Retaliation”

The current round of retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran casts light on Israel's and Iran’s opposing political strategies, which also have significant legal implications…

Oct. 26, 2024 Eliav Lieblich

Aerial Top View Red Oil Ship Tanker Full Speed

Key Questions in U.S. Cyber Attack on “Iranian Spy Ship”

What was the nature of the operation? How is Iran likely to respond? What are the implications for conflict escalation, or de-escalation?

Feb. 15, 2024 Brianna Rosen and Tess Bridgeman

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi speaks without a face mask during a press conference in Basra on July 15, 2020.

Iraq’s Raid on Iran-Backed Militias: Is the New Prime Minister Ready to Rein Them In?

The units are at last coming under much-needed pressure from Baghdad to adhere to the rule of law. The international coalition can support that effort.

Jul. 16, 2020 Crispin Smith

Protesters light candles as they mourn their martyrs in Tahrir Square as nationwide protests entered a third month on December 6, 2019, in Baghdad, Iraq.

Iraqi Researcher’s Death Adds Urgency to Penalizing Iran-Backed Militias With New U.K. “Magnitsky” Law

Hisham al-Hashimi exposed human rights violations and corruption. The British penalties would reinforce similar US measures and support Iraqi reforms.

Jul. 7, 2020 Crispin Smith

Destruction at Karbala airport in the Iraqi shrine city, one of the areas targeted by US military air strikes against a pro-Iranian group in Iraq following the deaths of two Americans and a Briton in a rocket attack the previous night on a US base in Taji. Some soldiers inspect the damage while others stand guard with guns. March 13, 2020

It’s Time Iraq Accepts Legal Responsibility for Its Iran-Backed Militias

Legal reform of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMFs) would have a more durable effect on these hostile militias than a few US air strikes.

Mar. 23, 2020 Crispin Smith

Fighters of the Hashed Al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization units) advance through a street in the town of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, after the Iraqi government announced the launch of the operation to retake it from Islamic State (IS) group control, on August 26, 2017.

Iraqi Militias Split Over New Iran-Backed Head, Reflecting Wider Divisions

Understanding the differences among the Hashd al-Sha’abi factions is vital as the organization gains increasing influence in government, including the official Iraqi security…

Mar. 4, 2020 Crispin Smith

Iraqi anti-government protesters rest beneath graffiti at Tahrir Square as nationwide protests entered a third month on December 5, 2019, in Baghdad, Iraq. The graffiti art reads, “An idea cannot be destroyed,” and shows a police officer beating a dandelion. On the other side of the wall, there is an image of an injured person lying on a cloud while their blood rains down on people below.

After Soleimani Killing, Iran and Its Proxies Recalibrate in Iraq

Understanding the motivations and capabilities of leading Iranian-backed militia units is vital for an effective US and Iraqi response to likely violence in the coming months.

Feb. 27, 2020 Crispin Smith

Members of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military network set a door ablaze as they try to break into the US embassy building in the capital Baghdad, on December 31, 2019.

After Soleimani Strike, Iran-Backed Militias Threaten Iraq’s Stability: An Explainer

There is a real risk that Iran-backed militias are driving Iraq back towards conflict. And their power is greatly enhanced by their legal status as organs of the Iraqi state.

Jan. 28, 2020 Crispin Smith

Side by side photos of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and remnants of the U.S. airstrike still on fire that killed Soleimani and al-Muhandis on Jan. 3, 2020 outside the Baghdad International Airport.

United States Killed Iraqi Military Official and Iraqi Military Personnel in the Two Recent Attacks

"If these dimensions of the unfolding events are not properly understood by U.S. decision makers and the media, the currently highly volatile situation—between the United States,…

Jan. 5, 2020 Crispin Smith

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