US think tank questions guarantees for energy firms while militias remain armed

WASHINGTON, United States — The Washington-based Defense Democracies Foundation has questioned the Iraqi government's ability to balance guarantees for U.S. energy companies against the presence of armed Iran-linked factions. In a report, the foundation said Tehran's influence extends beyond the security sector into the government and economy, and that any assurances to American firms would carry no meaning as long as the factions continue to carry weapons. The report recommended that Washington expand the existing ban on faction members at the level of deputy minister and director general, and that the U.S. Treasury Department deploy its anti-corruption tools against the groups. It recalled that U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack discussed security issues and energy agreements with Prime Minister Ali Zidani during a mid-June meeting in Baghdad. Zidani is scheduled to visit Washington next month, the report said. Although a decision has been taken for Asaib Ahl al-Haq, the Imam Ali Battalions and Saraya al-Salam to prepare to lay down arms, the fate of the militants and their weapons remains unclear, according to the report. The foundation argued that the Popular Mobilization Forces should also be disbanded and that Washington should not place full trust in the Zidani government.