The Roots of al-Hashd al-Shaabi Groups and its Impact on their Composition and Loyalty

Abstract

The aim of this study is to introduce and analyze the historical stages of the formation of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and introducing their numbers and groups and present the religious, sectarian and ethnic communities within Hashdi Shaabi groups.Because without identifying the historical roots of these groups, their numbers, composition and supporters, we cannot identify the reasons and goals behind the formation of PMF groups. The study also introduces Iran's efforts to support PMF groups to dominate the security and political arena in Iraq and protect Iranian interests in the Iraq and region.