In a television interview, Al-Araji stated that “the law may need what he described as ‘marketing domestically and internationally’ before proceeding to vote on it,” emphasizing that “the government will not allow any party, whether friendly or otherwise, to propose the idea of disbanding the Popular Mobilization Forces.” He explained, “We requested to postpone the law until after the elections, and do not ask me why,” stressing that “the Popular Mobilization Forces represent an essential part of the Iraqi security system.” It is noted that the Service and Retirement Law for the Popular Mobilization Forces includes treating its members equally with the Iraqi armed forces in terms of salaries and entitlements.
In January 2024, activities commenced between Iraq and the international coalition led by the United States to review the mission of the international coalition to combat the “ISIS” organization (banned in Russia and several countries). A statement issued at that time by the media office of the Iraqi Prime Minister stated: “Military specialists will undertake the conclusion of the international coalition’s military mission against ‘ISIS,’ after a decade since the beginning of this mission, and its great success achieved in partnership with Iraq.”
Iraq also announced last January that an agreement was reached with the United States to formulate a timetable for the gradual reduction of international coalition advisors in Iraq and the conclusion of the coalition’s military mission against ‘ISIS.’
