Policy Report “The Future of Kirkuk: A Roadmap for Resolving the Status of the Province”
September 8th, 2015 by MERI
MERI’s Kirkuk Policy report outlines clear recommendations for all relevant actors with the aim of bringing the issue of their province to the fore and fostering a constructive debate on Kirkuk’s future.
The Iran Nuclear Deal: A View from Erbil
August 3rd, 2015 by MERI
Iran and six world powers reached a historic deal on the 14th of July in Vienna. This deal could have far reaching consequences and significantly alter geopolitics in the Middle East.
The HDP’s Next Best Move
June 14th, 2015 by MERI
A HDP-AKP coalition will not only be good for domestic politics, but also will continue to build on the success stories Turkey has achieved in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The Yemeni Crisis: The Prisoner’s Dilemma for Saudi Arabia and Iran
May 31st, 2015 by MERI
The atmosphere of regional volatility and high stakes for Saudi Arabia’s and Iran’s national security, might lead these two countries to strengthen their military positioning on different fronts across the Middle East.
Debating the Iranian Nuclear Deal
May 7th, 2015 by MERI
At the moment, skeptics specially in the US, are vocal in condemning both President Obama and Iran but it may well be argued that regional security is better served through an accommodative Iran engaged with the international community as opposed to an isolated and threatening one.
Realpolitik and disastrous consequences
March 16th, 2015 by MERI
A Kurd could argue that the long hardship and series of disasters inflicted upon the people of Iraq are direct consequences of the complacency and indifference embedded in the foreign policy of the superpowers.
The Importance of the Battle for Tikrit
January 30th, 2019 by MERI
As the much publicised attack on Tikrit is underway, it is important to look at the deeper significance of such an operation. Beyond regaining lost territory, the battle for Tikrit will play a defining role in the coming year for Iraq. As a Symbol The timing of the operation was by design. Forces moved towards […]
The Fight Against Islamic State: Operation Mosul
February 26th, 2015 by MERI
Defeating the Islamic State, in Iraq, must happen in phases. In the first instance, urban areas will have to be regained. Second, the large rural areas of Iraq will have to be brought back under control. Thirdly, local actors will still have to combat a prolonged and difficult insurgency
Policy Note | The Middle East at Breaking Point: Turkey’s Neighbourhood Policy and the Need for Enhanced ‘Soft’ Power
January 22nd, 2015 by MERI
Is Turkey’s failure in the ME because of the changing dynamics following the Arab Spring transcending the country’s foreign policy capacity, or is it because of the under-performance of its foreign policy?
Farewell to growth in Iraq, until when?
January 19th, 2015 by MERI
The political turmoil in 2014 have put an end to 10 years of robust economic growth in Iraq and the country is bound to recession. Baghdad must undertake structural reforms in order to navigate the new economic scenario ahead.