Iraqi Political Scene Deeply Divided Over Linking U.S. Withdrawal to Faction Disarmament

The Iraqi political landscape is currently facing a deep and sensitive division regarding a new formula that links the withdrawal of U.S. military forces to the handover of weapons by non-state armed groups. This issue has become a major focal point of contention among the country's political factions. Proponents of this proposal argue that state control over all weaponry is an essential price to pay for achieving complete national sovereignty and ensuring the unhindered departure of foreign forces from Iraqi territory. Conversely, opponents fear that any moves to disarm local factions prior to a complete U.S. withdrawal could expose the country to grave security risks or disrupt the domestic balance of power, leaving Iraq's security future shrouded in uncertainty [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.net)