What is meant ...
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Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were formed to defend Iraq against terrorism and combat extremist groups. In Yemen, Ansarallah focuses on domestic objectives, including resisting foreign intervention and preserving Yemen’s territorial integrity. These goals extend beyond the influence or strategic interests of any foreign state, including Iran.
Ideological affinity and strategic convergence without dependency
Iran’s relationships with these groups are primarily founded on ideological alignment and mutual objectives. Iran extends support to organizations such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Ansarallah, and Iraqi factions like Kata’ib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq due to their roles in opposing Israeli policies, countering extremist groups, and reinforcing the “Axis of Resistance” in the region.
Nevertheless, these relationships do not imply absolute control or dependency. These groups often make independent decisions, guided by their own strategic priorities and distinct from Iranian directives.
Grassroots origins and localized support bases
These organizations are firmly embedded within their respective local communities. Hezbollah and Hamas are acknowledged as key domestic actors in Lebanon and Palestine, respectively. The PMF consist of grassroots Iraqi groups that enjoy strong backing from both the Iraqi government and its citizens. Similarly, Ansarallah is a native Yemeni movement with deep historical ties to Yemen’s Zaydi Shia community.
Their legitimacy and longevity are sustained primarily by social support from their local societies, rather than relying exclusively on external aid. This local foundation affords them significant autonomy in their decision-making processes.
Divergent tactical choices and strategic autonomy
There have been occasions when these groups have diverged from Iranian policies, either tactically or strategically. For example, Hamas has at times adopted positions that differ from Iran’s stance on specific regional matters. Similarly, the PMF operate within the framework of Iraq’s internal political dynamics, which do not always align with Iranian directives. Ansarallah in Yemen prioritizes its own peace agreements and domestic issues, which may diverge from Iran’s broader regional strategies.
Although these groups receive support from Iran due to ideological and strategic commonalities, they remain autonomous actors with distinct objectives and agendas. Characterizing them solely as Iranian proxies oversimplifies their complex relationships with Iran and the broader regional dynamics.
Moreover, the term “proxy” is often employed as a political tool to undermine the legitimacy of these groups in international discourse. While Iran’s support for them is undeniable, categorizing them purely as proxies fails to acknowledge their independent origins, objectives, and operational frameworks. They are independent entities operating within their respective regions, cooperating with Iran based on shared interests and ideological alignment, rather than functioning under Iranian command.