Iraq has summoned the British charge d’affaires in Baghdad following remarks made by UK Ambassador Stephen Hitchen, which the Iraqi government claims painted a “bleak image” of the country’s security situation.
Hitchen’s comments were made during an interview with Kurdish-owned television channel Rudaw, where he discussed the challenges the Iraqi government faces in bringing the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) under state control. He stated, “The challenge for the Iraqi government is how to deal with the militias… the decision to bring the militias into the government is logical, but if a PMF member receives salaries, they must also accept commands.” He further described selective obedience within the military as “not natural” and “not logical.”
Additionally, Hitchen mentioned receiving personal threats, although he did not elaborate on the source.
In response, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong disapproval of Hitchen’s statements, arguing that his portrayal of Iraq’s security and political situation was overly negative. The ministry accused the ambassador of interfering in Iraq’s internal affairs and overstepping diplomatic boundaries.
The PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi, was formed in 2014 in response to a call by Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani to combat the Islamic State’s advances in northern Iraq. While some of its units were newly formed at the time, many have long-standing ties to Iran and have been accused of human rights abuses, organized crime, sectarian violence, and kidnappings.
Hitchen also raised concerns about the difficulties British companies face in operating in Iraq, citing the need for a “secure environment and a state of law.” He noted that while some foreign businesses might manage to operate in a setting marked by corruption and intimidation, such conditions are unsuitable for British firms seeking to invest in Iraq.
He emphasized the importance of investment protection as a key factor in attracting Western companies to the country.
