Iraq’s Iran-backed militias carried out new drone strikes against Saudi Arabia and the UAE this week, plunging the new government into a diplomatic crisis with its neighbors. The attacks overshadowed Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s first days in office and underscore the immense challenges he faces as the US government pushes him to dismantle the groups.
As well as being backed by Iran, the militias have also formed political wings and are integrated into prominent blocs within Iraq. Many of their leaders are members of the Shia Coordination Framework (SCF) that nominated Mr Zaidi for the post of prime minister. (CONTINUED - 1157 WORDS)
