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DE
Zaidi’s Militia Dilemma
['Lahib Higel', 'Renad Mansour', 'Mina Al-Oraibi', 'Christian Caryl', 'Bret Devereaux', 'Peter Frankopan', 'Alexandra De Hoop Scheffer', 'Odd Arne Westad', 'Suzanne Nossel', 'Hal Brands']
Foreign Policy
Although Iraqi armed groups denied responsibility, two days later Saudi Arabia and the United States carried out coordinated strikes against Iran-backed factions, reportedly killing at least 20 militia members.
Although Iraqi armed groups denied responsibility, two days later Saudi Arabia and the United States carried out coordinated strikes against Iran-backed factions, reportedly killing at least 20 militia members.
Most are from the United States, although other coalition members have also deployed dozens of personnel in training and advisory roles.
The United States should also recognize that Iraq’s vulnerability to Iranian influence is reinforced by regional isolation and economic codependence.
The United States cannot dictate the nature of Iraq’s relationship with Iran any more than Iran can dictate the nature of its relations with the United States.