A policy debate with members of European Parliament Subcommittee on Security and Defence on EU-Iraq partnership: Peshmerga reform, the ISIS war and EU’s role in stabilisation

The US has a long and enduring strategic interest with Iraq and will partner with the Iraqis who want to establish a stable and strong democratic country”, said Amb. Tueller.

Al-Sadir is playing to win, whatever the cost. The Sunnis won the first round. The Kurds have lost sight of the bigger picture & focused on internal rivalry. It is not too late to find a win-win outcome.

Strengthening societal resilience is considered vital for the prevention of violent extremism. MERI is a member of 15 international research centres (lead by NUPI) to address this issues.

Four years after the military defeat of ISIS, pre-existing conditions associated with the risk of violent extremism continue unabated in Iraq.

A summary report of a policy debate held at MERI, attended by a selection of policy makers, politicians and academics. Policy recommendations are presented to stakeholders.

In Iraq, politics is personal, and the politics of Baghdad-Erbil relations is no exception. Improvements and deteriorations in this relationship have largely been dictated by interpersonal dynamics, such as the rapport and mutual confidence between leaders.

The US should help create an Iraqi state at peace with all of its components. The KDP and PUK need to de-escalate and allow the KRI to speak with one voice in Baghdad & with international partners.

it is time for Iraqi leaders to expedite forming a new government, otherwise Covid-19 pandemic & the drop in oil prices might drive it to the brink.

The Peshmerga forces are undergoing an ambitious process of institutionalisation aimed at transforming them into an apolitical and professional entity. This brief examines the contours of this process and offers policy recommendations.