Iran-backed militias trample US flag, exposing Iraq’s sovereignty problem - analysis

Days after US forces left Iraq, photos circulated showing Iranian-backed militias driving over American flags during an event. The article examines how this act, carried out by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), exposes Iraq's sovereignty problem as Iran-aligned militias refuse to disarm and continue to show allegiance to Tehran.

Days after US forces completed their withdrawal from Iraq, photos circulated on social media showing Iranian-backed militias driving over American flags during an event. The act was carried out by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an official division of the Iraqi government's security services. US Congressman Joe Wilson condemned the desecration, calling it proof that Iraq is an Iranian province. Victoria J. Taylor, Director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council and a former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq/Iran at the US State Department, noted she had anticipated such an event and criticized the Iraqi government for allowing blatant anti-Americanism from official forces. The PMF also displayed the flag of Lebanese Hezbollah and images of Hamas leaders, illustrating Iran's continued influence. The Iraqi government says it wants to disarm the militias by June 2027, but about a dozen powerful groups, including Kataib Hezbollah, refuse. Iran uses Iraq as a frontline for attacks on Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel. The article argues that Iraq will not be truly sovereign as long as Iran can use the militias within its borders.