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Iraq Falls Apart as Iran-Backed Forces Keep Islamic State at Bay
(The Australian) Jonathan Spyer - The nearest positions of Islamic State are just 65 km. away from Baghdad. Islamic State is surely already organizing in the city, unseen, as it did in Ramadi, Mosul and Fallujah. The form that the defense against the Sunni jihadists is taking is seen at every intersection, on every wall, on every corner: the banners of Iraq's Shia militias. The defense of Baghdad against Islamic State is not taking place in the name of Iraq. The men doing the fighting are there as Shi'ites. This applies even to many or most of those wearing the uniforms of the official Iraqi Security Forces. The leadership of three of the most powerful militia bodies is linked to Iran. The Badr Organization, the Kata'ib Hizballah group and the Asaib ahl al-Haq receive direct assistance from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. The Saraya al-Salam militia of Moqtada al-Sadr is also pro-Iranian and aided by Iran but maintains a greater degree of independence. The writer is director of the Rubin Center for Research in International Affairs and a fellow at the Middle East Forum.