A new Iraqi initiative, “Iraq Only,” aims to improve relations with the U.S. and curtail Iranian influence.

Young Iraqis are using stickers featuring the Iraqi flag to cover images of militia leaders, promoting the rule of law and a democratic state free from Iranian control.

Activist Muqtada al-Tamimi, a businessman, discussed his experiences, including kidnapping and torture at the hands of Iranian-backed militias, with Digital.

“We activists suffer most from Iran’s influence,” al-Tamimi stated, describing illegal detentions, torture, and killings of activists.

Al-Tamimi and fellow activists endured five days of captivity, abuse, and torture, with their phones and data seized without legal process.

“We are persecuted for raising our own flag,” al-Tamimi lamented.

Al-Tamimi described the militias’ impunity and disregard for Iraqi law and citizens’ rights.

“Those most harmed are those calling for peace and coexistence,” he said.

The activists envision a strong Iraq with a stable, Western-integrated economy.

“An Iraqi alliance with the West would strengthen and stabilize Iraq,” he believes.

Their efforts to counter Iranian influence and foster closer ties with the West are feared by Tehran.

In 2021, a conference in Erbil saw 312 Iraqis from both Shi’a and Sunni communities call for peace and normalization with Israel. Subsequent death threats from Iran-backed militias and arrest warrants from the Iraqi government followed. CPC protected the participants.

“The ‘Iraq Only’ movement reflects a deep desire for peace, development, and an end to Iranian dominance,” said Joseph Braude, founder and president of CPC. “We hope the U.S. will support them.”

Iraq is a key battleground between U.S.-led forces and Iran, with Tehran using proxies to undermine Iraqi sovereignty.

The Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI), an umbrella group of Iran-backed factions, poses a significant challenge to the Iraqi government and was responsible for an attack killing three U.S. service members in Jordan.

The IRI has conducted operations against Israel and U.S. forces since October 7th. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), formed in 2014 to fight ISIS, also operate in Iraq.

“Iraq Only” supports the continued presence of U.S. forces in Iraq.

“The American presence doesn’t contradict a strong Iraq, but strengthens it,” al-Tamimi stated.

Al-Tamimi acknowledged the sacrifices made by American forces since the 2003 invasion.

Their support for closer ties with Israel is notable.

“Israel is a great country. A strong Iraq needs strong partnerships, including with Israel if needed.”

Al-Tamimi highlighted the suffering caused by the Iraq-Iran alliance, citing infrastructure damage and institutional undermining. Removing Iranian influence will improve Iraq’s safety and prosperity.

“Strong relationships with Israel and the U.S. will result in a strong Iraq.”

Al-Tamimi sees Assad’s fall in Syria as a positive sign for the region.

“Assad’s removal undermines Iranian influence, offering hope for regional change.”