Iraq's shiite militias are out of control: In five months, Iraq will elect a new government. But, the Shiite militias paid for and trained by Iran, which are part of Iraq’s broader security apparatus, have become a law unto themselves. The latest outrage is the besieging of the heavily fortified ‘Green Zone’ in Baghdad. The militias are demanding the federal government release one of their commanders arrested on terror charges. The fact that Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi is facing immense pressure to give in shows the power they exercise. This is especially alarming considering that there’s huge public demand to bring the militias under control, after their role in suppressing anti-government protests. For its own sake, Baghdad must act against the militias - before it is too late. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]