Backgrounder: Literature Review of Local, Regional or Sub-State Defense Forces in Iraq

Abstract

Regional or community forces, militias, and other forms of local security actors have long existed in Iraq, supported either by local political actors or parties, regional actors, or non-state groups. However, in the last two years, these local and hybrid security forces have proliferated. Peshmerga forces and a range of Shia and tribal militia forces, or local defense forces could be quickly mobilized to counter the threat posed by ISIL and fill gaps in the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). What has been the impact of these groups for community and political dynamics, prospects for stabilization in liberated areas, and other rule of law, governance, and rights concerns? What will be the future position of these groups after the immediate crisis is resolved, and how will the greater reliance on these quasi-or non-state actors impact the long-term prospects for the Iraqi state?