Iraq's new prime minister stands up to Kata'ib Hezbollah

Iran’s top subordinate ally in Iraq faces a growing crisis. As it now escalates in an effort to retain its power, Kata’ib Hezbollah faces a new prime minister who would see it corralled.

Although little noticed outside its borders, what’s happening in Iraq is potentially revolutionary. Having operated with impunity over the 17 years since its founding, Kata’ib Hezbollah now confronts a prime minister who is determined to restrain its aggression and its undermining of Iraqi democracy. Prime Minister Mustafa al Kadhimi, former head of Iraq’s National Intelligence Service, is an Iraqi patriot, unlike previous prime ministers who put sectarian politics before the national interest. And that’s posing a big problem for Iran and Kata’ib Hezbollah.