“The Erbil-based Middle East Research Institute has been ranked as a top think-tank in the Middle East and Northern Africa, and the highest ranking in Iraq, according to a publication from Pennsylvania University’s Lauder Institute.”

“MERI is considered among the top think tanks in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) Region and is the highest ranking one in Iraq.”

“The Kurds are pragmatic enough to understand that picking sides for certain short-term gains – be it economic or military – will not serve political unity inside Kurdistan in medium to long term.”

“The KRG needs to commit itself to a range of radical structural reforms and adopt a credible overall economic vision, a long term strategy and a serious plan of implementation.”

The vulnerability of Kurdistan’s economy to volatility in the international markets was painfully revealed by last year’s fall in oil prices.

Most people in Kurdistan believe that independence is inevitable in the long term, not many would agree that now is the time for its declaration.

A major gathering in Erbil brings together top lawmakers from Iraq, Kurdistan Region, along with the members of the international community to talk about the economic, political and security crises facing the region.

“The Kurds’ dependence on oil meant this was a crisis waiting to happen. Still, with Islamic State in northern Iraq no longer the existential threat, and the oil price not getting any worse, the future may be brighter.”

The struggle of Kurdish women in a male-dominated society and the violence against them in the war by the Islamic State group (ISIS) was the focus of a MERI seminar, gathering academics, writers, journalists, students and activists.

Rare Stability is at Risk in Iraq’s Kurdish Region and Elsewhere, Middle East Experts Say.