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

This policy report Identifies key weaknesses in the governing system, highlights the political barriers for progress; and offers policy recommendations to stakeholders.

Summary of the MERI policy debate with the German Ambassador Ole Diehl on his country’s policies and the challenges they face in Iraq and KRI.

Sectarianisation of Iraq’s governance has already become a powerful driver of conflict. Left unaddressed, it can become irreversible. Here, ambassadorial appointments are used to underline the issues and offer ways forward.

A summary report of the MERI rountable discussions on the UK’s policy objectives in Iraq & Kurdistan Region, the challenges they face and policy recommendations for stakeholders.

MERI is globally ranked as the top think tank in Iraq for the 6th consecutive year and No 27 among 599 major think tanks in MENA countries.

Will they tackle the Middle East differently? How would the regional actors respond?

The security dynamics may get complicated, making it more difficult for President Elect Joe Biden to pick up the pieces.

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.