The Sadrists’ Gamble: A Milestone Even if It Fails
The Sadrists have gone ‘all-in’, challenging the system & exposing its weaknesses. Unlikely to win outright but they have pushed Iraq to a new phase in its transition.
Policy Brief
KDP and PUK in Sadir’s Chess Game
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.
Preventing Violent Extremism in the Balkans and the MENA
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.
Iraq’s National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism
Four years after the military defeat of ISIS, pre-existing conditions associated with the risk of violent extremism continue unabated in Iraq.
The Status of Erbil-Baghdad Relations
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
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
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
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.