The Battle for Mosul: Pre and Post ‘Liberation’ Planning
July 11th, 2016 by Dylan O’Driscoll
The occupation of Mosul by the Islamic State (IS) has become an issue of global importance. The liberation of the city is seen as a symbol for defeating IS in Iraq and there is international pressure to press ahead and begin the process. Herein lies the problem.
Time for a Radical Rethink. Full report on the MERI Economic Forum 2016
July 12th, 2016 by MERI
This first MERI Economic Forum explored the challenges and policy options available to mitigate the current economic crisis in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The title, “Time for a Radical Rethink,” was reflected in the debates that resulted in actionable recommendations for the government and private sector.
US Policy in Iraq – Four Steps Back, Two Steps Forward
May 22nd, 2016 by Dylan O’Driscoll
What happens over the next few months will decide Iraq’s future, whether that is federalism, confederalism or its breakup. One thing is clear – the US has a role to play.
Compliance of Armed Forces with International Humanitarian Law
May 2nd, 2016 by MERI
This initiative is aimed at raising awareness of the norms and principles of IHL at all levels of Peshmerga forces; developing comprehensive mechanisms and policy recommendations that support compliance with IHL; and demonstrating the Peshmerga’s commitment to protecting fundamental human rights during times of war.
Media, Women and Honour: Cyber Violence Against Women in Iraqi Kurdistan
March 24th, 2016 by Dr. Nazand Begikhani
The new information and communication technology has provided space for the reproduction of structural violence, cultural norms and patriarchal mode of interaction leading to honour-related violence.
Turkey and its Kurdish Issue: The European Union Factor
March 7th, 2016 by Athanasios Manis
The EU member states should be concerned that the exacerbation of the Kurdish issue can potentially not only destabilise Turkey further, but also feed into other crises that have been taking place at the same time in Iraq and Syria, and have catastrophic effects on the refugee crisis – a major worry for EU decision-makers.
Chasing Chimeras in Syria: Turkey’s PYD Gamble
February 17th, 2016 by Athanasios Manis
“The AKP government has been advocating and pursuing the removal of Assad, the defeat of ISIS and the isolation and weakening of the PYD. These three strategic aims are in full contradiction to one another if one considers the realities on the ground. These parallel objectives highlight how Turkey has avoided systematic prioritisation.”
Sharing Visions for the Future of the Middle East
February 17th, 2016 by MERI
In convening such high-level panels and making room for the participation of diplomats, government officials, civil society representatives, and media, the MERI Forum 2015 fostered greater debate and, more importantly, action on these issues.
America Needs a Stable and Democratic KRG as a Partner
January 25th, 2016 by Linda Fawaz
The United States needs to preserve its goodwill and reputation in Kurdistan by remaining neutral in its internal disputes, but also engaging constructively as a close ally.
Violence against Women in War and Conflict
January 17th, 2016 by Professor Gill Hague
In August 2015, the UN Security Council warned that, in Iraq and Syria, sexual violence is being used as a deliberate tactic, saying these acts are war crimes, with claims that Daesh in particular has created a ‘theology of rape’ including sexual slavery.