Iraq’s National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism
September 24th, 2021 by Kamaran Palani
Four years after the military defeat of ISIS, pre-existing conditions associated with the risk of violent extremism continue unabated in Iraq.
The US policy in Iraq
November 30th, 2021 by Srush H. A. Khoshnaw
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.
The Status of Erbil-Baghdad Relations
September 6th, 2020 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
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.
Iraqi Kurdistan: Priority issues for international mediation
July 10th, 2020 by Michael Knights
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.
How a Fragile Iraq Is Facing the Covid-19 Challenge
April 9th, 2020 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
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.
Institutionalisation of the Peshmerga: tipping the balance of Iraq’s stability
July 17th, 2019 by Federico Borsari
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.
Enhancing chemical security in Kurdistan Region
June 13th, 2019 by Goran Zangana
Chemicals are widely used in Iraq & the KRI for various civilian purposes. Terrorist organizations have the capacity to convert chemicals to weapons. The KRG needs robust policies to prevent chemo-terrorism.
Iran-US tension and the Ghost of War
May 19th, 2019 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
Who wants war, where is this US-Iran escalation leading and what policy would be best for the local actors to pursue?
Breaking the Cycle of Shame in Iraq
May 15th, 2019 by Henriette Johansen
With Iraq’s displacement crisis, violence against women and girls has reached new levels of cruelty. However, with transition into stabilisation, there is an historic opportunity to tackle barriers to women empowerment.
The Denial of Identity Cards to Islamic State Affiliates: a Recipe for Renewed Radicalisation?
May 5th, 2019 by Anne van der Wolff
Many of the IS associated women & children are denied identity cards. These practices violate national and international laws and are likely to contribute to on-going violent extremism.