Iraq Reaffirms Commitment to State Monopoly on WeaponsThe Iraqi government has reaffirmed its firm commitment to consolidating the state’s monopoly on arms, signaling a policy of zero tolerance for unauthorized paramilitary activity. Beyond security reform, the Iraqi leadership is also concurrently advancing a broader national effort to tackle systemic corruption. According to Haddad, the two objectives—restricting the spread of weapons and purging corrupt elements within the state structure—are deeply interconnected. The push for centralized control over weaponry represents a significant challenge in Iraq, given the legacy of various armed factions operating outside of formal state chains of command. The success of this policy remains a central point of scrutiny as the government navigates the complexities of implementing these reforms amidst ongoing calls for improved governance and the restoration of robust, law-abiding national institutions.