[REVISION HISTORY]

Iraqi government stability and security reforms

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2026-11-02 09:43 UTC → 2026-11-09 11:13 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has initiated a series of administrative, security, and economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the nation. To improve government credibility, al-Zaidi implemented measures to restrict unauthorized media statements by officials. Simultaneously, the government began lifting military airspace restrictions in western Iraq to bolster civil aviation and economic revenue. A central pillar of the agenda is a major security initiative to disarm Iran-backed militias and consolidate all weaponry under state authority by June 30, 2027. Following the withdrawal of all U.S. troops and military advisers, al-Zaidi stated that the departure of foreign forces removes the rationale for factions to retain independent arms. While some groups, such as Saraya al-Salam, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, and Kata'ib al-Imam Ali, have reportedly surrendered weapons, others like Harakat al-Nujaba have rejected the terms, citing the need for ‘sacred weapons of the Resistance.’ In late October 2026, al-Zaidi assumed direct control of the National Intelligence Service following the dismissal of its chief, Hamid Al-Shatri. He stated the move aims to consolidate sovereignty and ensure the agency remains free from “partisan, factional, and sectarian quotas.” During a visit to Sadr City in November 2026, al-Zaidi issued a warning to armed factions, vowing to prevent individuals from holding weapons outside state control and refusing to allow groups to seize citizen rights. He also took administrative action by canceling contracts at Mosul International Airport linked to armed entities. In November 2026, Saud al-Saadi, head of the Huquq parliamentary bloc, announced that an agreement regarding weapons regulation has been reached between a committee from the Coordination Framework and various armed factions. The deal aims to establish a consensus-based formula to organize the relationship between armed groups and state ~~institutions through a committee comprising the government, armed factions, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Coordination Framework.~~ institutions. However, the agreement awaits the Prime Minister’s signature. Al-Saadi expressed concerns that American pressure may be preventing the formalization of the deal, criticizing the government for a dual stance on sovereignty amidst alleged U.S. economic interference and airspace violations. Additionally, al-Zaidi has pursued regional diplomacy and addressed domestic integrity issues, including investigations into the former director of Baghdad International Airport regarding contractual irregularities.

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