\n\nA number of congressional Republicans are expressing concerns about Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, questioning his ability to serve as a strong ally in the Middle East. This comes after President Donald Trump lauded al-Zaidi during his first international visit to Washington last week. While Trump praised the Iraqi leader's potential, some lawmakers remain skeptical about his effectiveness and his commitments to disarm militias in a region marred by conflict.

\n\n“Iraqi leaders have fooled us in the past and so far, I have no reason to believe this one will be different,” stated Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), a vocal advocate for cutting Iranian influence in Iraq. He supports Trump's efforts to strengthen ties but remains cautious about Iraqi promises. Wilson specifically criticized the prime minister's pledge to disarm Iran-backed militias, suggesting it might just be a superficial change of uniforms rather than a genuine move towards peace.

\n\nDuring his visit, al-Zaidi announced that his government would meet the September 30 deadline to disarm all Iran-backed and non-state armed groups, a promise that has met with a mix of optimism and skepticism in Washington. Though some militia leaders have pledged to disarm, ongoing attacks by other groups underscore the complex security challenges that remain.

\n\nRep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), expressed disappointment after meeting with al-Zaidi, citing a lack of substantive answers from the new leader. "It was disappointing. He didn't answer any questions, and I just didn't get much from it,” Burchett said. He remains hopeful but acknowledges the difficulties ahead in disarming the militias.

\n\nAdding to the concerns, al-Zaidi's recent attendance at the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has fueled doubts about his allegiance, potentially complicating U.S. efforts to foster a stronger relationship with Iraq.

\n\nDespite these challenges, Trump remains optimistic about al-Zaidi's leadership. “This man is going to be a great leader in the Middle East, beyond Iraq. His influence is going to spread all throughout the Middle East,” Trump remarked during their meeting. Al-Zaidi, a 40-year-old former banker with no prior political experience, was seen as a consensus candidate capable of navigating Iraq's complex political landscape.

\n\nVictoria Taylor, an Iraq analyst at the Atlantic Council, noted that while al-Zaidi succeeded in charming Trump, he faced a harder sell with other U.S. officials who are waiting for more concrete actions. "Where the visit was less successful was really with other elements of Washington, including on the Hill, where understandably many congressmen are eager to really see more action and more details before they're willing to give him the kind of effusive stamp of approval that he received from the Trump team,” Taylor explained.

\n\nAs Iraq navigates its internal and external challenges, the coming months will be critical in determining whether al-Zaidi can fulfill the promises of disarmament and whether he can truly balance the delicate act of maintaining relationships with both Washington and Tehran.