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Iraq Situation Report: September 4 - 8, 2015

Iranian-backed Shi'a militias are challenging PM Abadi's authority through political means and the use of force in the wake of PM Abadi’s recent reforms. The proxy groups' obstruction of the National Guard Law further limits the  government's ability to subordinate the militias to the control of the state.  The National Guard Law is legislation that is critical to empowering Iraqi  Sunnis by  arming them and organizing them in the fight against ISIS.  The Iranian-backed militias have also used violence in Baghdad in ways that challenge the government's control of the capital.

Far-Right Riot at Ukraine’s Parliament

Far-right groups launched a violent riot on August 31 outside Ukraine’s parliament during its review of controversial constitutional amendments that would acknowledge the special status of separatist-held southeastern Ukraine. The riots demonstrate the growing challenge to stability that Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko faces from the far-right, a threat that could present new vulnerabilities that the Kremlin may exploit.

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