The United States has made clear demands of Iraq regarding Iran-backed militias and attacks on American interests. But demands without a sustainable strategy are ineffective. They give the Iraqi government and Tehran the ambiguity they need to offer vague promises, evasive statements, and ultimately no meaningful action.
If Washington is serious about restoring deterrence and protecting U.S. personnel, it must move beyond rhetoric and adopt an enforceable strategy that corners Baghdad into a credible plan.
That strategy should rest on four pillars.
1. Publicly identify and isolate the militia leadership
The U.S. should publicly name the senior militia leaders responsible for attacks, intimidation, and the erosion of Iraqi sovereignty. These figures include Qais Khazali of Asa’ib Ahl Haq, Akram Kaabi of Harakat al-Nujaba, Abu Alaa Walai, and Abu Fadak Muhammadawi, among others.
Some of these individuals are not merely armed commanders. They are also influential actors within Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework,
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