Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said that there is no need for “the resistance” to continue after the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, in what may be one of the clearest government signals yet regarding the future of armed factions, as the scheduled date to end the international coalition’s mission approaches. Al-Zaidi added, in press remarks published Wednesday evening, that “most armed factions have already begun handing over their weapons to the state,” stressing that “after the full withdrawal of all US forces (in September), there will be no justification or need for any resistance in Iraq.” These remarks come ahead of Al-Zaidi’s anticipated visit to Washington next month, at a time when his government has placed the issues of restricting arms to the state and combating corruption at the top of its priorities, alongside efforts to redefine relations with the US on an economic rather than a military basis. Relations with Washington Regarding ties with Washington, al-Zaidi explained that they “will shift from military to an economic partnership.” Al-Zaidi said that “fighting corruption is the top priority,” noting that he has initiated measures in every ministry and department to “dry up the sources of corruption.” Through his visit to Washington, al-Zaidi aims to boost the government’s chances of securing US and regional investments to ease Baghdad’s severe financial crisis. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the new Iraqi prime minister will visit Washington soon to meet with US President Donald Trump, adding that they will discuss Iraq’s sovereignty and ensuring that Iran does not interfere in its affairs. Speaking to reporters in the Bahraini capital, Manama, on Thursday, Rubio said that his country has received positive signals from Iraq, but will closely monitor Iranian influence, as this remains an issue that will continue to be assessed. Monopoly on Weapons In response to questions regarding the issue of weapons control, government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi told Asharq Al-Awsat that "the Iraqi government's position is clear and firm on the issue of restricting weapons to the state, and that addressing this matter stems from the constitution, law, and the requirements of sovereignty and internal stability." Regarding reports about some factions refusing to hand over their arms, Al-Aboudi said that "the government manages this file with the logic of the state and law and with a single standard that applies to everyone, which is adherence to the constitution and state decisions.” “Any weapon outside this framework will be dealt with according to the law and the mechanisms adopted by the competent institutions,” he added.
