Title page
Contents
Summary 4
01. Introduction 5
02. Past approaches to the PMF 8
03. The PMF as a set of networks 11
Vanguard networks 13
Parochial networks 15
The struggle to integrate parochial and vanguard networks 18
04. PMF networks and the Iraqi state 20
Engaging in the state security sector 20
Playing party politics 22
Acquiring influence in Iraq's formal bureaucracy 25
Reaching into non-government spaces 28
Delivering state services 28
Tapping into state coffers 29
Profiteering at checkpoints and borderlands 31
05. Conclusions and policy implications 34
Co-opt and fragment 35
Building alternatives 36
Economic sanctions 37
Military attack 37
Encouraging accountability and coherence in networks 40
About the author 43
Acknowledgments 43
Table 1. PMF political parties, leaders and affiliated armed groups that make up Fateh 23
Figure 1. Example of a PMF network 12
Figure 2. The PMF Commission network 19
Figure 3. Parties and blocs that make up the Binaa alliance 25
Figure 4. PMF salary payment flow 30
Figure 5. Typical checkpoint network 32
Boxes
Box 1. Types of networks 11