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.

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.

Who wants war, where is this US-Iran escalation leading and what policy would be best for the local actors to pursue?

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.

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.