The Parliament of Iraq [6] on Nov. 26 voted to give militias fighting Islamic State legal status in the country. The 208 votes allow the Popular Mobilization Units [7] (Hashd al-Sha'abi) to fight the militant group throughout the country as long as they keep their "identity and character [8]" and do not threaten Iraq's "national security." The bill legitimizes and recognizes [9] the militia network as an extension of the state; fighters will now receive pensions and instruction from the regular armed forces. Opponents to the bill note that "mobilization forces [10]" are traditionally Shi'ite, and that the authorization will allow the militias to continue sectarian fighting with the blessing of the government. Proponents say the militias have been a formidable weapon [11] against ISIS after the US troop draw-down.
From Jurst [12], Nov. 27. Used with permission.
