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.
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.
Defeating the Islamic State will take more than Gunpowder
June 2nd, 2016 by MERI
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 MERI
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.
The Future of Tourism in Iraqi Kurdistan: Opportunities and Challenges
April 25th, 2016 by MERI
An assessment of growth since 2007 highlights a number of shortcomings in KRG strategy that have harmed efforts to promote tourism beyond budgetary and security issues.
Should Kurdistan establish a Basic Health Services Package?
April 14th, 2016 by MERI
Kurdistan region of Iraq is experiencing significant political, economic and social challenges. It became fragile in a short period of time. In these circumstances, a Basic Health Services Package is an appropriate first step to provide essential health services.
Media, Women and Honour: Cyber Violence Against Women in Iraqi Kurdistan
March 24th, 2016 by MERI
The new information and communication technology has provided space for the reproduction of structural violence, cultural norms and patriarchal mode of interaction leading to honour-related violence.
Turkey and its Kurdish Issue: The European Union Factor
March 7th, 2016 by MERI
The EU member states should be concerned that the exacerbation of the Kurdish issue can potentially not only destabilise Turkey further, but also feed into other crises that have been taking place at the same time in Iraq and Syria, and have catastrophic effects on the refugee crisis – a major worry for EU decision-makers.
Chasing Chimeras in Syria: Turkey’s PYD Gamble
February 17th, 2016 by MERI
“The AKP government has been advocating and pursuing the removal of Assad, the defeat of ISIS and the isolation and weakening of the PYD. These three strategic aims are in full contradiction to one another if one considers the realities on the ground. These parallel objectives highlight how Turkey has avoided systematic prioritisation.”
America Needs a Stable and Democratic KRG as a Partner
January 25th, 2016 by MERI
The United States needs to preserve its goodwill and reputation in Kurdistan by remaining neutral in its internal disputes, but also engaging constructively as a close ally.