Iraqi Shia blocs diverge on disarming militias, health minister says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Health Minister and National Approach Alliance leader Abdulhusayn al-Musawi has warned that Shia political blocs are split over whether the federal government should disarm militia forces, deepening disputes within Iraq's Shia leadership. Speaking on the dispute, al-Musawi said diverging Shia positions on the disarmament of militias are already affecting the political balance in Baghdad. The minister described the issue as critical to the future shape of Iraq's security structure, adding that the differing approaches among Shia political movements are complicating efforts to carry out any disarmament process. Al-Musawi also indicated that the question of the militias will play a decisive role in shaping the new government. His remarks come as no official policy on the future of the militias has yet been clarified.