Iraq's government has begun reviewing and evaluating senior security and military leaders across the country as part of efforts to introduce changes, military and parliamentary sources in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad , said to The New Arab. The reshuffling will occur in the Ministries of Defence and Interior, as well as the intelligence, counterterrorism and national security agencies, in addition to the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), the umbrella body that brings together more than 70 armed factions.
The anticipated changes will be implemented through a series of government measures to be taken by the prime minister, who constitutionally serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
According to multiple sources who spoke to TNA, the measures will take place after the completion of performance evaluations and audits of commanders across various operational sectors and security formations.
The process has effectively already begun through limited changes affecting some positions linked to the prime minister's private military office .
The sources also confirmed that broader changes await the selection of ministers of interior and defence, as both ministries continue to be administered on an "acting basis" after parliament failed to approve candidates due to political disputes.
The changes, which will be carried out within tight timeframes, will also include the PMF leadership, in line with the government's vision of removing political figures and those involved in the escalation campaign against the United States from the body's executive scene.
Under Iraqi law, the PMF is considered the authority responsible for regulating the movement and deployment of armed factions.
Yasser Watout, rapporteur of the Iraqi parliament's Security and Defence Committee, confirmed the information to TNA .
"There is a continuous need for evaluation and review processes regarding security institutions' performances in light of security challenges and rapidly changing developments," he said. "The steps taken during the past period confirm a government vision to enhance professionalism and rely on standards of achievement and competence in managing security and military positions."
"The anticipated changes will contribute to building a cohesive security team capable of implementing government plans and achieving the highest levels of coordination among various security agencies," Watout said. "The parliamentary Security and Defence Committee also supports any measures that serve the interests of developing the security and military institution and consolidating the principle of competence and professional entitlement."
"We affirm that the process of change does not target individuals as much as it seeks to develop institutional work and achieve the best results on the ground in a way that serves Iraq's security and stability," he added.
Observers believe that changing security and military positions is an important step within the framework of managing state institutions, particularly when linked to reform programmes, institutional development, and efforts to raise levels of readiness and efficiency.
Reassessing field and administrative leaders is also a key tool for identifying strengths and weaknesses and keeping pace with emerging security requirements, especially amid efforts to strengthen internal stability and confront potential security challenges.
Meanwhile, military adviser Lieutenant General Safaa al-Aasam remarked to TNA that "periodic changes in security and military positions and leadership represent one of the most important tools of reform and institutional development.
"Adopting the principle of continuous performance evaluation and carrying out replacements according to clear professional standards contributes to enhancing the efficiency of security and military agencies and increases their ability to confront security challenges and developments," he said.
Al-Aasam stressed that "successful security and military institutions around the world adopt the principle of continuous review and evaluation of leaders because the nature of security work requires constant renewal in visions, plans and management mechanisms.”
"This is in addition to benefiting from the expertise and competencies available within the institution and allowing them to assume responsibility," he said.
"The continued presence of some leaders in their positions for long periods without review or job rotation may lead to administrative stagnation and affect levels of performance and innovation. Well-considered change based on evaluation results enhances professional competition, raises achievement levels and gives the institution a greater ability to develop and adapt to new developments," he explained.
Al-Aasam noted that "the move towards conducting precise and comprehensive evaluations of the performance of security and military leaders across various operational sectors is an important and correct step.
"It enables the identification of strengths and weaknesses and the taking of appropriate decisions regarding the continuation or replacement of leaders according to standards of competence, achievement and the ability to meet established objectives," he further stated.
He stressed that "the importance of the changes also extends to strengthening the principles of integrity and transparency within the institution."
"Job rotation and periodically reviewing leadership positions help reduce any negative practices or cases of abuse of office. They also close many administrative and organisational loopholes that could be exploited by some individuals for personal interests at the expense of the public interest," he opined.
"Their primary objective should be the development of the security and military institution and the enhancement of its readiness and ability to protect security and stability, in line with the requirements of the current and future phases, which require competent leaders capable of achieving the best field and administrative results," al-Aasam concluded. Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here .