Electoral Failures, Misguided Choices: The Finite Point of the AKP’s Kurdish Policy
October 22nd, 2015 by MERI
Irrespective of the results of the coming elections, the AKP has reached a finite point whereby it cannot deliver fully on democratic reforms and resolution of the Kurdish issue. This article suggests that the AKP needs to seriously consider forming a coalition government that is determined to address serious domestic issues. Any other behaviour would reveal its inability to share responsibilities and power.
Protecting Minorities’ Rights in the Kurdistan Region: A Tailor-Made Model
October 12th, 2015 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) should be proud of its reputation as a guardian of minorities, providing at risk groups with security and shelter.
Negotiations for international loans for Kurdistan should resume with a clearer vision
September 20th, 2015 by MERI
Recent developments damaged beyond repair the confidence investors had in lending money to the KRG. As a result, the only other way out of the current economic crisis, at least in the short term, is to bring in fresh capital to cover for the money Kurdistan is unable to generate internally.
Oil for Food: The Global Food Crisis and the Middle East
September 16th, 2015 by MERI
Like the Gulf countries, Iraq has a high dependence on oil export revenues, food imports and considerable population growth.
Post-Maliki Iraq: An uncertain future?
February 1st, 2015 by MERI
While it is tough to predict how developments in Iraq will manifest in the future, Iraq’s new political dispensation under Haidar Al-Abadi is actively striving to move beyond Maliki’s destabilizing ethno-sectarian legacy and treading the path of dialogue and reconciliation.
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.