The dispute regarding the formation of an Iraqi National Guard is ongoing among the country's political actors. The guard is supposed to incorporate Shiite and Sunni militias, as well as local armed forces, under an official umbrella that would work alongside the Iraqi army across the entire country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi included the issue of the National Guard in his plan of action, on which the parliament recently voted. He said the plan "is based on ensuring stability and security, supporting the security forces and the national reconciliation project, developing the popular mobilization experience, establishing a provincial national guard, [as well as] supporting the peshmerga.”

Although it's unclear how the National Guard will be formed, in principle, the guard will take on the character of a local public force and attempt to resolve the clashes taking place between the army and the security forces, as well as between local inhabitants. These clashes continue to stir tensions in Sunni regions.

This idea was first proposed when the Islamic State (IS) invaded Mosul and other cities.