The Future of Mosul: Before, During, and After the Liberation
September 5th, 2016 by Dylan O’Driscoll
This report analyses the non-military elements that must be addressed prior to launching the final offensive against IS in Mosul city. It focuses on humanitarian planning, issues of governance, and post-conflict security, reconstruction and reconciliation.
State-building in a Fragmented Kurdistan Region of Iraq
August 1st, 2016 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
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 Aram Mahmood
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 Athanasios Manis
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 Dylan O’Driscoll
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 Aram Mahmood
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
June 2nd, 2016 by Dylan O’Driscoll
Attempting to defeat IS without beginning to address the political and structural failures that have led to these circumstances borders on the ridiculous.
US Policy in Iraq – Four Steps Back, Two Steps Forward
May 22nd, 2016 by Dylan O’Driscoll
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.
Compliance of Armed Forces with International Humanitarian Law
May 2nd, 2016 by MERI
This initiative is aimed at raising awareness of the norms and principles of IHL at all levels of Peshmerga forces; developing comprehensive mechanisms and policy recommendations that support compliance with IHL; and demonstrating the Peshmerga’s commitment to protecting fundamental human rights during times of war.