ANALYSIS The Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq Regional Dynamics and Local Variables The PMF has emerged at a time when major international coalitions had failed to eliminate ISIS in Iraq, where it was causing great turmoil. The PMF includes large-, medium-, and small-scale armed groups, including those with prior experience and arms training before the PMF was founded, as well those with military experience from the Iraqi army. Abdullah Al Jbour March 2021 The overlapping political, religious, and partisan spheres transformed the idea of the PMF from a short-term initiative with a single goal to a permanent entity with diverse political and ideological objectives, therefore it has strayed from its purpose.