Iraq’s PMF Factions Plan to Topple the Prime Minister

Arab World

June 3rd, 7:02am

Baghdad - Asharq Al-Awsat

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi (AP)

Top leaders of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are mulling to withdraw their support for the Iraqi government. Informed sources confirmed that the repercussions of the recent incident at the Green Zone are mounting to the point where faction commanders are discussing bringing down Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi. The leader of Fatah Alliance, Hadi al-Amiri, said in a television interview that he was sincere in supporting Kadhimi back then, given the circumstances that led to his assignment. However, Amiri asserted that he will not back Kadhimi if he deviates from the plan of removing foreign forces from Iraq and ensuring security for the elections. Amiri commented on the events of May 26, when PMF-affiliated gunmen stormed the Green Zone. He noted that both the arrest of PMF official Kassem Muslah and the reaction to it, were mistakes. Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali also appeared in a televised interview in which he criticized the prime minister and accused him of harboring “hostile feelings” to the PMF. He added that since its formation, Kadhimi's government has adopted an anti-PMF policy, which culminated with the arrest of Muslah. Highly informed sources indicated that extremist factions wanted to respond to the arrest of Muslah by measures other than just storming the Green Zone. Three Shiite leaders from different factions decided last week to approach influential blocs to withdraw their vote of confidence from Kadhimi, sources informed Asharq Al-Awsat. One of those leaders indicated that discussions among faction leaders led to the consideration of ending Kadhimi’s political role despite some hesitancy on the move.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3006851/iraq%E2%80%99s-pmf-factions-plan-topple-prime-minister