Pro-Iran line of Iraq s Hashed challenged by internal dissent
A growing fissure pits the vast Iran-aligned wing of the Hashed al-Shaabi network against four factions linked to the shrines of Iraq’s twin holy cities, Karbala and Najaf.
Sunday 13/12/2020
Supporters of Hashed al-Shaabi demonstrate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra on October 17, 2020. (AFP)
BAGHDAD – Around the corner from Iraq’s holiest shrines, a years-long struggle over allegiances and resources is coming to a head threatening a deep schism within the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces) network.
The growing fissure pits the vast Iran-aligned wing of the Hashed al-Shaabi against four factions linked to the shrines of Iraq’s twin holy cities, Karbala and Najaf.
Iraq ‘shrine factions’ look to peel away from Hashed
By AFP - Dec 12,2020 - Last updated at Dec 12,2020
In this file photo taken on June 14 mask-clad members of the Hashed Al Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) paramilitary force take part in a military parade in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, marking the sixth anniversary of its founding after Iraq’s top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani called to defend the country from the Daesh (AFP photo)
NAJAF, Iraq Around the corner from Iraq’s holiest shrines, a years-long struggle over allegiances and resources is coming to a head threatening a dangerous schism within a powerful state-sponsored security force.
Sunday, 13 December, 2020 - 05:30
A photo of Iraq s top Shiite cleric, Ali Sistani, in Karbala, Iraq. AFP file photo Asharq Al-Awsat
Around the corner from Iraq s holiest shrines, a years-long struggle over allegiances and resources is coming to a head threatening a dangerous schism within a powerful state-sponsored security force.
The growing fissure pits the vast Iran-aligned wing of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) network against four factions linked to the shrines of Iraq s twin holy cities, Karbala and Najaf.
Those factions, dubbed the Shrine Mobilization and comprising around 20,000 active fighters, held their first strategic planning meeting earlier this month.
Iraq shrine factions look to peel away from Hashed al-monitor.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from al-monitor.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
NAJAF: Around the corner from Iraq’s holiest shrines, a years-long struggle over allegiances and resources is coming to a head threatening a dangerous schism within a powerful state-sponsored security force.
The growing fissure pits the vast Iran-aligned wing of the Hashd Al-Shaabi network against four factions linked to the shrines of Iraq’s twin holy cities, Karbala and Najaf.
Those factions, dubbed “the Shrine Hashd” and comprising around 20,000 active fighters, held their first strategic planning meeting earlier this month.
Throughout the packed three days, spokesmen for the shrine groups leaned on two sources of legitimacy: A patriotic, “Iraq-only” discourse, and the blessing of the “marjaiyah,” Iraq’s Shiite spiritual leadership.