Competing Interests in Shingal: Yazidis Caught Between Millstones
Nearly two years since the north side of Shingal was liberated from the Islamic State, most of the Yazidi population is still displaced.
Policy Brief
A Development-Oriented Stabilisation Policy for Mosul
Now that IS’s economic gains are draining due to military setbacks and financial strains, IS-held territories are increasingly struggling through economic hurdles. The challenge ahead is to have concrete economic plans.
And the Marginalisation goes on: Iraq and the Politics of Domination
Back in 2014, Iraq’s Prime Minister promised to end the politics of dominance that was largely responsible for the rise of Islamic State (IS). Yet, with the military defeat of IS in Iraq imminent, Sunnis are still being marginalised and until this ends, the foundations of IS will remain within the society.
State-building in a Fragmented Kurdistan Region of Iraq
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.
Is Austerity the Most Effective Policy to Solve the Present Financial Crisis?
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 Battle for Mosul: Pre and Post ‘Liberation’ Planning
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.
The Path to Diversification: Gaining from Exchange Rate Flexibility
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.
Defeating the Islamic State will take more than Gunpowder
Attempting to defeat IS without beginning to address the political and structural failures that have led to these circumstances borders on the ridiculous.