Competing Interests in Shingal: Yazidis Caught Between Millstones
November 2nd, 2016 by MERI
Nearly two years since the north side of Shingal was liberated from the Islamic State, most of the Yazidi population is still displaced.
Governing Nineveh After the Islamic State: A Solution for All Components
October 24th, 2016 by MERI
Calls for a separate Nineveh Plain province could end up harming minorities and threaten stability. Instead, a Nineveh Federal Region could prove a better solution for post-IS governance in Nineveh.
A Development-Oriented Stabilisation Policy for Mosul
October 9th, 2016 by MERI
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
September 25th, 2016 by MERI
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
August 1st, 2016 by MERI
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?
July 19th, 2016 by MERI
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.
Averting an Economic Meltdown in the KRI: Aligning Political Objectives with Economic Necessities
July 17th, 2016 by MERI
This Report analyses the crucial aspects of the current economic crisis and the KRG’s immediate response. The author argues that it is only when the economic meltdown is averted in the short-term that the KRG will be able to proceed with deep structural reforms.
The Battle for Mosul: Pre and Post ‘Liberation’ Planning
July 11th, 2016 by MERI
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.
Time for a Radical Rethink. Full report on the MERI Economic Forum 2016
July 12th, 2016 by MERI
This first MERI Economic Forum explored the challenges and policy options available to mitigate the current economic crisis in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The title, “Time for a Radical Rethink,” was reflected in the debates that resulted in actionable recommendations for the government and private sector.
The Path to Diversification: Gaining from Exchange Rate Flexibility
June 9th, 2016 by MERI
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.