Seth J. Frantzman
In the days before Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, the State Department was preparing for a possible evacuation of personnel from Iraq. In the past, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have targeted the US Embassy in Baghdad as well as US military personnel in Iraq. Iraq is in a complex position because it hosts American forces who are part of the US-led coalition to defeat the remnants of ISIS.
In addition, Iraq is home to tens of thousands of military members of the pro-Iranian Popular Mobilization Forces, many of whom vehemently oppose the United States. These groups have targeted Israel with kamikaze drones, as well as targeting Americans. US Central Command head General Michael Kurilla told members of Congress on June 10 that Iranian-linked militias in Iraq are undermining the country.
Iraq was already facing a crisis prior to the Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliation. In May, the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq sent a delegation to Washington to sign energy deals that could be worth up to $110 billion with HKN Energy and WesternZagros.
In Baghdad, there was outrage. Baghdad has long clashed with the KRG over its energy policy. During the war on ISIS, when the KRG was largely cut off from Baghdad, it exported oil and developed its energy sector. However, that changed after ISIS was defeated and Baghdad sought to reassert control. A crisis in 2017 over the KRG’s drive for independence led to clashes in Kirkuk. Iranian-backed militias have used drones to attack energy fields in the Kurdistan region.
The battle between Baghdad and Erbil extends beyond energy. The Iraqi government has slashed KRG government salaries. Under pressure from Iran, it has also worked to disarm and relocate Kurdish dissident militias operating in Kurdistan.
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