Parliament passes bill to recognize Shia Militias

Announcement Date: July 1, 2016

The Iraqi parliament passes a bill recognizing the Popular Mobilization Forces, a group of Shia militia fighters, which puts them under the authority of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. The move makes PMF fighters eligible for government salaries and pensions similar to those of the official military, but many believe the decision encourages further sectarian divisions in the war-torn country.