Iraq's New Government Faces a Test on Weapons Control

Weapons control remains one of the biggest challenges for Iraqi governments since 2003, as armed groups that gained strength in the war against ISIS have also secured political and security legitimacy. The issue is now emerging as a major test for the new government’s ability to assert state authority. Security expert Adnan al-Temmimi said success in bringing weapons under government control will depend on internal political consensus and institutional resolve. He said the plan to monopolize arms under the state would require gradual steps rather than a single move. Those steps include restructuring the relationship with armed groups, strengthening the powers of official security forces, and containing the movement of illegal weapons. The approach reflects the scale of the challenge facing Baghdad as it tries to consolidate authority over armed actors. Al-Temmimi also said the gradual integration of some armed groups into official institutions is on the agenda. He said such a process would require political consensus and economic reforms as essential conditions.