The Sons of Iraq are not yet being systematically targeted by the government, but they are growing fearful of such intimidation once U.S. forces withdraw from the country. Demobilization and reemployment of the Sons of Iraq is likely to be fairly rapid, with fighters receiving payment until they are found alternative employment. This article, written by Michael Knights, suggests that although no near-term deterioration of security is likely to be caused by the Sons of Iraq, a subset of these fighters is considering long-term resistance to the Shiite-led federal government after the United States leaves Iraq.
