Episode #109: PMU Can’t Touch This (feat. Ali Mamouri)

Iraq is stuck in the middle of the US-Iran tensions, as their new government tries carefully to play both sides. One point of contention is the role of independent, predominantly Shiite militias in the country, with some holding strong pro-Iranian views - these militias are known as the PMU, or Popular Mobilization Units. But there’s been an outcry after Iraq’s prime minister decreed that all these militias must come under the command of the Iraqi Armed Forces. Phil and Cooper break down the basics: why were the PMU formed? How much power do they have? And what comes next? Al-Monitor Iraq Pulse editor Ali Mamouri joins the podcast from Baghdad. Extra Reading:   The Dueling Ayatollahs (Ali Mamouri) Political differences ignite conflict between PMU factions (Hamdi Malik) Iraq orders militias to fully integrate into state security forces (Ali Mamouri) As US pressure increases on Iran-backed militias, they turn to Iran (Ali Mamouri) US hits back at Iran in Iraq as tensions rise (Ali Mamouri) Shiite military factions have long way to integrate into state forces (Ali Mamouri) Extra Listening: Episode #53, Iraq the Vote (5/16/2018): A rundown of the initial 2018 election results in Iraq. Episode #57, Iraqi Start (6/14/2018): The Iraq election gets a recount, and Ali Mamouri joins to give insight. Episode #66, A River Runs Through It (8/24/2018): On the thirtieth anniversary of its end, Phil and Cooper explain the circumstances of the Iran-Iraq War.  Episode #68, Iraqi Path (9/6/2018): Iraq tries to nominate a new prime minister despite the US and Iran’s political preferences. Music: Acrassicauda - “Requiem for a Reverie” (Spotify | Apple Music)