How Militias in Anbar Might Hinder Iraq’s Energy Goals

This excerpt discusses the security dynamics in Anbar, Iraq, highlighting the ongoing influence of Iran-backed Shia factions despite the defeat of the Islamic State nearly a decade ago. Local residents express that controlling Anbar is crucial for enhancing Iraq’s energy self-sufficiency and stabilizing relationships with Syria and the U.S. One resident noted a significant decline in drug smuggling since the fall of the Assad regime, mentioning interactions with certain armed groups, indicating a complex relationship between local communities and these factions.