Is Iraqi PM able to confront pro-Iran militia?

Since taking office in May, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has been tackling a number of international and domestic challenges.

However, his main policy has been to reduce the stranglehold Iran-backed militias have had on large parts of the country’s security forces since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

But al-Kadhimi’s ability to succeed is being questioned.

On December 20, at least eight rockets struck Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone.

The arrest of a senior leader in Qais Khazali’s Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia for his involvement in the attack has opened up the possibility of a confrontation between the government and armed groups.

How much of a threat do the militia pose?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom

Guests:

Michael Pregent – senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former adviser to Iraqi security forces

Ali Akbar Dareini – researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies