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Iraq’s PMF Shaken by Leadership Changes

Abu Zeinab al-Lami (X)
Abu Zeinab al-Lami (X)
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Iraq’s PMF Shaken by Leadership Changes

Abu Zeinab al-Lami (X)
Abu Zeinab al-Lami (X)

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have ousted Abu Zeinab al-Lami from his role as head of their security unit, a move that highlights his influential standing within the organization.

“The head of the PMF has removed Abu Zeinab al-Lami from his role as head of security and discipline directorate,” sources said Thursday.

“Ali al-Zaidi, deputy director of PMF security, has been appointed temporarily in his place,” they added.

Later Thursday, sources suggested the PMF rescinded al-Lami’s dismissal, which he reportedly contested.

Sources familiar with al-Lami’s role reveal that he made significant decisions without consulting PMF leader Falih al-Fayyadh or Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty, al-Lami’s dismissal has caused a major shake-up within the PMF, exposing internal and external loyalty conflicts among its factions, influenced heavily by Iran’s supreme leader.

Reports suggest al-Sudani issued the dismissal, but informed sources suggest it was orchestrated by Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, with the prime minister’s approval.

Sources speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat state that the dismissal stems from deep divisions between Kata’ib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, with the latter aiming to take full control of the PMF.

Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq reportedly seeks to remove PMF leader Falih al-Fayyadh and is angered by al-Lami’s alleged role in attacks on American restaurants in Baghdad.

Last May, three KFC restaurants, owned by American food chains, were bombed in protest against US support for Israel during its Gaza conflict with Palestinians.

Hussein Falah, also known as al-Lami, rose to prominence during Iraq’s October 2019 protests, where sources accused him of leading a sniper unit targeting demonstrators.

For several years, al-Lami has overseen security within the PMF, responsible for disciplining leaders who defy orders.

Apart from his PMF role, al-Lami is a senior figure in Kata’ib Hezbollah, designated a US terrorist organization. Washington has sanctioned him for alleged involvement in the October protests.

A Reuters report from late 2019 described al-Lami as “highly influential and widely feared,” with direct communication links to the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps leader Qassem Soleimani.

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Arab World

Barzani in Baghdad for ‘Decisive Settlement’ after ‘Exceptional Welcome'

Baghdad shows great interest in Barzani’s visit (government media)
Baghdad shows great interest in Barzani’s visit (government media)
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Barzani in Baghdad for ‘Decisive Settlement’ after ‘Exceptional Welcome'

Baghdad shows great interest in Barzani’s visit (government media)
Baghdad shows great interest in Barzani’s visit (government media)

The Iraqi government and the Coordination Framework parties welcomed the head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masoud Barzani, with an exceptional reception, as shown in photos published by official websites.
Barzani arrived in Baghdad, ending a 6-year rupture imposed by the deep disputes between Erbil and the federal government, over a wide range of fundamental matters.
At the beginning of his visit, Barzani met with Prime Minister Mohammad al-Sudani, before holding talks with a large number of officials and leaders of political parties and blocs.
“My visit to Baghdad aims to strengthen the efforts made by the Prime Minister which led to a real breakthrough between the federal government and the region,” he said during his meeting with Sudani and other Iraqi officials.
He pointed to “constructive” dialogue and “identical views” regarding internal and regional issues.
For his part, Sudani emphasized the importance of Barzani’s visit to Baghdad.
“We held a constructive and purposeful dialogue on various internal issues and regional developments,” he stated.
Barzani also met with the head of the Judicial Council. A press statement said the two officials “discussed important legal and judicial files related to developing the work of the judiciary in the Kurdistan region.”
Later on Wednesday, the Iraqi prime minister threw a banquet in honor of Barzani, a government statement said. Footage published by government media showed the presence of prominent leaders in the Coordination Framework, including Nouri al-Maliki and Ammar al-Hakim.
For its part, the Coordination Framework welcomed Barzani’s visit. Coalition member Ayed Al-Hilali said that the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party came to Baghdad carrying “many solutions,” local media reported.
“Barzani’s visit at this time is very important for resolving the outstanding problems between Baghdad and Erbil... and for bringing viewpoints closer on many disputed issues,” he remarked.
Relations between Baghdad and Erbil have witnessed relative improvement since May, when the Federal Court overturned a previous ruling to abolish the “quota” for minorities in the regional parliament elections and paved the way for the return of the Kurdistan Democratic Party to the electoral race.
Meanwhile, the media advisor to the leader of the Democratic Party, Kifah Mahmoud, stressed that the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad was never interrupted, as mutual visits between the two sides took place throughout this period.
However, he told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The relationship was marred by serious complications that reached their peak after Baghdad used the armed forces in the political conflict with the region, as happened in the invasion of Kirkuk and the rest of the disputed areas in 2017.”
Mahmoud agreed that Barzani’s visit would constitute a “decisive settlement” by the Kurdish leader with the political officials in Baghdad, and would pave the way for addressing outstanding problems regarding the Nineveh Provincial Council, regional elections and security conditions.