An Analysis of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Update — August 26, 2026
Introduction
It is no secret that the issue of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) has long remained at the center of political and security controversy in Iraq. Washington’s calls for reforming, restricting, or restructuring the PMF are not new; they have echoed for years through decision-making circles in both Baghdad and Washington.
What is particularly striking about the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) update of August 26, 2026, however, is the degree of transparency with which it describes U.S. demands toward the Iraqi government—not merely as advice or an abstract call for reform, but as a fundamental condition for Washington to “put the Iraq file to rest” and focus more freely on striking Iran, without having to worry about the PMF moving against U.S. interests from the rear.
In its daily update, the institute cited statements by Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akrami-Nia, an Iranian military spokesman, who outlined Iran’s emerging offensive doctrine based on rapid retaliation, multiple and preemptive strikes, and the expansion of the theater of conflict, with the objective of restoring deterrence against Washington and Tel Aviv.
But the core of the report—and its most significant section—concerned Iraq. The institute closely tracked Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s efforts to bring the Popular Mobilization Forces under greater state control. If successful, the report argues, this could potentially move Iraq closer to the U.S. camp in the region by reducing Iranian influence and bringing armed factions—the PMF—more firmly under state authority.
This is precisely why the report deserves careful scrutiny. It is not simply an academic analysis; it provides a potential roadmap for what Washington wants from Baghdad in the next phase.