The story: The Iraqi parliament’s protracted debate over amendments to legislation regulating the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) may be nearing its end. Reports suggest that a deal has been struck between Shiite Coordination Framework leaders clearing the way for the amendments to be introduced in the parliament. At issue are proposals enforcing a mandatory retirement age of 60. That could potentially force out a large number of veteran PMU commanders—and perhaps clear the way for a political reorientation of the Iran-backed umbrella force.

The coverage: The debate over the amendments has reportedly widened fissures within the ruling Coordination Framework, with...