Iraqi writer says weapons monopoly is political, not just legislative

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi writer Saeed al-Kinnani said the question of consolidating weapons under state control is a political and sovereignty issue rather than a purely technical legislative matter. Writing on the subject, al-Kinnani said armed groups operating under the Popular Mobilization Forces framework have refused to hand over their weapons and act in coordination with a regional axis, creating a dual structure in Iraq's decision-making. Al-Kinnani argued that while the Iraqi government holds constitutional authority, the core problem lies in political will and the capacity to make decisions independent of external influences. He pointed to the August 10, 2026 visit to Baghdad by Quds Force commander Ismail Kaani, saying Kaani's opposition to a state weapons monopoly shows how the file remains entangled with regional influence. The writer cited the drone attack on former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's residence in the Green Zone and subsequent strikes targeting the Kurdistan region and neighboring countries as evidence of the risks posed by weapons held outside national command. He said keeping weapons beyond the reach of national decision-making leaves Iraq's sovereignty incomplete. Al-Kinnani called for a single-line national decision placing the army fully under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, rather than new commissions or negotiations.