The dramatic events in Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to power have made many observers in Iraq realize the importance and existential value of al-Hashd al-Shabi.
Following the announcement of the fall of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, to the Taliban, Iraqi experts have published notes on the importance of al-Hashd al-Shabi in their country, and at the same time, social media has faced a wave of views from users in support of al-Hashd al-Shabi.
Most of the views revolve around the fact that the United States is not trustworthy, and the only reliable option in Iraq is al-Hashd al-Shabi, which can be a reliable support for the Iraqi armed forces.
MP: We have no choice but to rely on the al-Hashd al-Shabi
A member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Iraqi parliament tweeted in the first reaction to the events in Afghanistan: “In the light of new developments and regional changes and the defeat of the United States in Afghanistan, we, as the people of Iraq, have no choice but to rely on the al-Hashd al-Shabi.”
Naeem al-Aboudi stressed that we must defend this factor of power with all our might, because it is the only strategic option for Iraqis.
A member of the Al-Fatah political-jihadi coalition also stressed that the Afghan scenario in Iraq will not be repeated due to the existence of a powerful force such as al-Hashd al-Shabi.
“Uday al-Khudran” has said: The Afghanistan scenario is US-cooked and aims to destabilize Central Asia and transfer that instability to the Middle East, which suffers mainly from the consequences of the extremist ideologies of al-Qaeda and ISIS.
He stressed that the Afghan scenario will not be repeated due to the presence of the popular mobilization force, which is one of the pillars of the Iraqi Armed Forces system.
He cited all the pressure from the United States and its allies against al-Hashd al-Shabi over the past years to inform them of the ideological force’s capabilities in dealing with terrorist groups.
Al-Khedran stressed that what is happening in Afghanistan is an international conspiracy led by the United States, but that Iraq will be spared the consequences due to the presence of al-Hashd al-Shabi and other Iraqi armed forces.
Chairman of the Al-Sadiqun faction and warning about the return of the Ba’athists
The head of the “Al-Sadiqun” faction affiliated with the jihadi-political group Asaeb Ahl al-Haq also tweeted to the Iraqi people: “Iraqi people! “Rely on your al-Hashd and defend it, because it is the only option against American insults.”
Adnan al-Faihan noted that what happened in Afghanistan is an emphasis on what we have said so far; That Americans cannot be trusted and that not everyone wants to believe this is buried like an ostrich.
Adnan al-Fahan has warned that the United States is seeking to hand over Iraq to the Ba’athists.
The possibility of Iraq being re-handed over to the disbanded Ba’ath party and not ISIS, as happened in 2014, is one of the views that has gained a relatively large following in Iraq.
The well-known Iraqi journalist also warned in a note, referring to US plans in Iraq, of the possibility of returning the Ba’athists to power.
“Mohammad Abdul Jabbar al-Shabout,” the former editor of the state-run Al-Sabah newspaper, wrote: “The return of the Taliban after 20 years has raised concerns in Iraq, although the situation in the two countries is different however, given the fragility of the internal situation in Iraq and the weak security infrastructure and the failure of the alleged democracy to win the trust of the people, there are doubts and the threat of ISIL is not necessarily discussed; “The return of the Ba’athists may be serious.”
He continued: It should not be enough that the disbanded Ba’ath party is over, because there are still various figures on the scene who can bring this party back, and it is possible that with some support, they will regain power.
Iraqi observers: Strengthen the Al-Hashd al-Shabi
A political figure and member of the Al-Fatah Jihadi-Political Coalition, in a note referring to what has happened in Afghanistan, called for further strengthening of Al-Hashd al-Shabi forces to support other Iraqi armed forces.
Iyad al-Samawi in this memo stating that “The experience of Afghanistan is before you,” said: “What is happening in Afghanistan will undoubtedly affect the security and military situation in Iraq, Syria and the region as a whole, and this will lead us to strengthen the military and spiritual capabilities of al-Hashd al-Shabi.”
Al-Samawi stressed the need to curb those who call for the dissolution of al-Hashd al-Shabi or those who want al-Hashd al-Shabi to withdraw from the western provinces (Sunni along the border with Syria) under the pretext of supporting this popular force.
Abdul Hussein al-Zalmi, another media activist, said in a note entitled “Afghanistan Lesson”: We should not leave the supreme religious authority and the al-Hashd al-Shabi because they are the factors of security and stability in the country.
Ahmad Abdul Sadeh, a journalist close to the resistance groups in Iraq, also tweeted: The United States never builds strong armies (in its countries under its control) to always be humble and humble in the face of its extravagances and ready to accept defeat, and that is why it is dissatisfied with the existence of a force like al-Hashd al-Shabi in Iraq.
Many in Iraq believe that while the events in Afghanistan are painful, they are a good lesson for Iraqis to understand the value of their inherent capabilities and to stop relying on foreigners for stability and peace.
The tragic events in Afghanistan have largely provoked cyberspace and the media in favor of the Al-Hashd al-Shabi popular force, and many are questioning whether the Taliban will be able to return to power if Afghanistan had the same Al-Hashd al-Shabi force as in Iraq?