The roadmap to independence starts from home and ends at home. A fragmented and unstable Kurdistan Region is in on one’s benefit. Key priorities are Institutionalisation of national unity and promotion of good governance.
The current policy of reducing salaries, focusing on a single sector of the economy, and putting extra pressure on low and middle income families is an unsuitable response to the on-going financial crisis and will likely dampen and delay economic recovery.
The occupation of Mosul by the Islamic State (IS) has become an issue of global importance. The liberation of the city is seen as a symbol for defeating IS in Iraq and there is international pressure to press ahead and begin the process. Herein lies the problem.
If Iraq is keen to diversify its economy, the Central Bank of Iraq should drop its current pegging (fixed) exchange rate policy and let the market determine the value of the Iraqi Dinar.
Attempting to defeat IS without beginning to address the political and structural failures that have led to these circumstances borders on the ridiculous.
What happens over the next few months will decide Iraq’s future, whether that is federalism, confederalism or its breakup. One thing is clear – the US has a role to play.
An assessment of growth since 2007 highlights a number of shortcomings in KRG strategy that have harmed efforts to promote tourism beyond budgetary and security issues.
Kurdistan region of Iraq is experiencing significant political, economic and social challenges. It became fragile in a short period of time. In these circumstances, a Basic Health Services Package is an appropriate first step to provide essential health services.
