The Future of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces: Lessons from Historical Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Efforts

The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) represent a threat to both Iraqi sovereignty and U.S. policy interests because several PMF militias retain ties to Iran and many PMF fighters remain loyal to their former commanders despite being formally integrated into the Iraqi armed forces. In this report, the authors examine historical disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs to inform U.S. policy on the PMF.