Assuming Al Jazeera is reliable, this formation of a multi-national Shia military force is interesting and not too shocking:
Iran has formed what it calls the Liberation Army whose units will be deployed in Arab countries, according to reports.
I'm not sure how "responsible" (as in abiding by international norms and international rules) this is but it sure does make Iran more of a "regional power":
[President] Obama told NPR that Iran should seize the chance of a [nuclear] deal that could lift crippling sanctions.
"Because if they do, there's incredible talent and resources and sophistication inside of Iran and it would be a very successful regional power that was also abiding by international norms and international rules - and that would be good for everybody," he said.
Hell, from the Obama administration's perspective, two out of three ain't bad, eh?
Oh well, in theory this was supposed to be good for everybody. Just like Summer Glau falling madly in love with me would be pretty good, eh? I'm not sure which is less likely to happen.
UPDATE: Strategypage has more on the Shia Liberation Army:
The SLA will be similar to the French Foreign Legion, which was founded in the 19th century as an elite force of non-French troops to handle problems in the worldwide network of colonies and possessions France had accumulated since the 18th century. ... But the main role of the SLA is to develop a source of foreigners devoted to Shia Islam, loyal to Iran and possessing combat and related skills. The SLA is no surprise to those who know the recent history of the region, especially the Iranian experience with creating and expanding Hezbollah.
Funny how left-wing condemnation for use of mercenaries (or "contractors," as we call them) is reserved just for America.
