Iraqi militias escalate rhetoric against US, threatening more attacks
After a period of calm following the formation of the new government, angry rhetoric has been rising against the US embassy's social outreach to Iraqi groups and tribes.
BAGHDAD — A new wave of hostility against the US, including threats to attack its facilities in Iraq, has resurfaced recently coinciding with drone attacks on US troops in Syria. A number of factors have prompted this escalation, including Washington's recurring visits and uptick in its diplomatic activity in Baghdad.
With the formation of the new government in Iraq late last year, Iraqi militias' hostility against the United States appeared to be waning. Attacks on the convoys of the US and other coalition members stopped, along with anti-American protests and "death to US" slogans. The regular statements of militia leaders against the US suddenly ended.
It seemed that with the presence of militias’ political wings in the new government, an opportunity for reducing the tension had finally appeared.
In response, US ambassador Alina Romanowski increased embassy activities significantly. During the first five months of the new government, she conducted over 50 meetings with Iraqi officials and attended several public visits in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities.
