Iraq commemorated the 104th anniversary of its army's founding with a grand ceremony in the capital. But the celebrations took place against a backdrop of rising domestic and international calls for weapons to remain under the exclusive control of the army and official security forces.
The event, under the theme, "A Hand for Peace and Security, A Hand for Construction and Development," was attended by high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, and Defence Minister Thabit al-Abbasi.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister al-Sudani reflected on the army's evolution from its role under past regimes to its current position as a defender of Iraq's sovereignty.
"The Iraqi Army has endured critical transitions, from being a tool of dictatorship to reclaiming its honour as the defender of the nation and its people," he said.
The prime minister highlighted the army's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, describing it as the cornerstone of Iraq's stability. "With the fall of the dictatorship, our army is no longer a tool in the hands of a ruler, but a national institution guided by laws and human rights principles," he added.
Al-Sudani also addressed speculation about regime change in Iraq, rejecting any links between Syria's crisis and Iraq's political future as "delusions". Speaking at a separate memorial event, he stated, "Iraq is a sovereign, democratic state where political transitions occur peacefully. No external party has the right to impose changes on our country."
Modernising Iraq's military
Defence Minister Thabit al-Abbasi outlined plans to strengthen the military via partnerships with global defence firms.
"We have partnered with France's Thales for radar systems, Airbus for Karak aircraft, and South Korea's LIG for multirole surface-to-air missile systems," al-Abbasi declared.
He also highlighted infrastructure projects such as the completion of the Al-Suwaira Base and the Air Force College, along with upgrades to facilities like the Habbaniya and Taji camps. In addition, the ministry opened recruitment up for 10,000 volunteers in the Special Forces.
"These steps reflect our commitment to building a robust and modern force capable of meeting today's challenges," al-Abbasi added.
The celebrations came amidst heightened political tension over calls to dissolve Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a coalition of mostly Iran-backed groups formally integrated into Iraq's armed forces in 2016.
Statements from Iraqi political analysts and an advisor to the Iraqi prime minister seem to confirm US demands to disband the PMF, which played a critical role in defeating ISIS but has been accused of operating as a parallel force with strong ties to Iran.
The PMF's involvement in regional conflicts has also drawn scrutiny.
During the early stages of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023, factions within the PMF, under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, reportedly launched drone and rocket attacks on Israeli military positions. One such drone strike originating from Iraq killed two Israeli soldiers and injured 24 others in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
Al-Sudani recently rejected external calls for the dissolution of the PMF, emphasising its legal and institutional role. "It is unacceptable for conditions or dictates to be imposed on Iraq, and there are no conditions for the dissolution of the PMF," he said in a recent televised statement, pointing out that a 2014 parliamentary law officially established the PMF.
Despite these assurances, pressure from the United States continues. During a recent visit to Baghdad, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly urged the Iraqi government to rein in rogue PMF factions. However, integrating the PMF fully under state control remains a challenge due to its fragmented loyalties.
A Troubled History
Founded on 6 January 1921 under British mandate, the Iraqi army played a significant yet controversial role in the country's history. From wars against Israel and Iran to the Kurdish Anfal campaign, the Iraqi army has been both a symbol of national strength and a source of division.
The army's violent dissolution after the US-led invasion in 2003 and subsequent rebuilding marked a turning point. The force was instrumental in combating insurgency and later fighting ISIS between 2013 and 2017. However, its legacy continues to provoke debate, particularly in the Kurdish region, where the Iraq army's actions during past conflicts are still remembered.
Although "Army Day" is a national holiday across Iraq, the northern Kurdistan region does not recognise the event, with some Kurds even labelling fellow Kurds as "traitors" for celebrating the day. Nevertheless, Kurds hold key positions within Iraq's army and security forces.
In a message marking the occasion, Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Shia National Movement, praised the army's contributions while emphasising the importance of faith and patriotism.
"Patriotism is faith, and our beloved Iraq deserves every ounce of sacrifice, devotion, and loyalty," al-Sadr said. He also called for stricter control over weapons. "We reaffirm the demand that arms must remain solely in the hands of the army and security forces. No weapons should be in the possession of factions or unregulated groups."
The government also reiterated its commitment to the welfare of military personnel and their families. "Caring for the families of martyrs and injured soldiers is a moral and national obligation," al-Sudani said.
As Iraq moves forward, its army remains a symbol of resilience and a guarantor of peace and security, but still has much more to clearly do in order to be embraced by all.