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Why Powerful Pro-Tehran Militias in Iraq Stayed Quiet amid Iran Conflict

(Washington Post) Louisa Loveluck - When U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear facilities, concern rippled through neighboring Iraq where pro-Iranian militias wield much influence and the majority of the people are Shiite Muslims, like in Iran. But those Iraqi militias have proved to be conspicuously quiet. These groups have become warier of involvement in external conflict and more independent of external backers. The Iran-linked militias have also become central players in the Iraqi government, earning billions of dollars from state coffers, operating extensive business networks, and holding more power than ever before. About $3.5 billion is allocated in the Iraqi budget to pay militia salaries. There is much at stake if these groups become a target, Middle East analysts say. The militias in Iraq have long been an important part of Iran's sprawling network of proxy forces. Their tempered response to events in Iran reflects their desire not to be dragged into the sort of conflict that left Hizbullah eviscerated in Lebanon, said Lahib Higel, Crisis Group's senior analyst for Iraq. "They don't want to face the same fate."
2025-06-26 00:00:00
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