Iraq today suffers from a persistent disease, which is the presence of armed militias affiliated with Iran, and that prevents the state body from fully recovering. Clearly, Iranian influence is strong over the main Shiite political forces that hold the reins of Iraqi decision-making, such as “Harakat Al-Nujaba”, within the "Popular Mobilization Forces", and “Kataib Hezbollah”.
The disturbing point is that groups like “Badr” led by Hadi al-Amiri, “Assaib al-Haq” led by Qais al-Khazali, and others who are regionally classified as forces with the state, not against it, are in reality within the sphere of Iranian influence.
But these forces are ultimately Iraqi, and they have tasted power and understood the value of controlling Iraq. This has given a rise to their ambition for getting independence from Iran, as they realized that the zonal conflict is about influence and control, not over the core ideas and cultures that shape the collective consciousness.
In this context, one can understand the actual Sadrist tendencies within the "Iraqi National Shiite Movement," as the Sadrists now call themselves. In fact, the movement's leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, announced his intention to dissolve his military wing, the "Saraya al-Salam" (Peace Brigades) within the state, calling on the "Popular Mobilization Forces" to make the same and surrender their weapons. He also proposed integrating the civilian wing into the "Al-Bunyan al-Marsous" (Solid Structure) organization, which provides social welfare services. In this context, it is worth to note that Muqtada al-Sadr is not openly opposed to Iran and does not disagree with its rhetoric concerning its armed conflict with US and Israel.
It is also to mention that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi welcomed al-Sadr's decision and called on all factions to work under the umbrella of the state. He stated that the current phase requires collective national efforts, for preserving the country's unity, security and stability, and strengthening public confidence in constitutional institutions under a state governed by the rule of low.
Iraq has a great cultural heritage, a magnificent history, a rich ethnic diversity, and a source of civilizations. It should only be master of itself and allows to people to rebuilt the country and restore the glory of the ancient Mesopotamia.