Publishing Institution: Middle East Research Institute (MERI) / Political Geography: Middle East

Author:: Dylan O'Driscoll
Publication Date:: 09-2016
Content Type:: Special Report
Institution:: Middle East Research Institute (MERI)
Abstract:: The post-conflict planning following the 2003 invasion of Iraq was weak at best and as a result many elements were at play that led to the marginalisation and political disenfranchisement of the Sunni community. Consequently, radical entities, such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS), exploited local dynamics to take up a position within society in the Sunni areas of Iraq. It is important that the current fight against IS in Iraq avoids this pattern at all costs; if the liberation is devoid of long-term planning it will likely result in the resurfacing of a number of issues responsible for the rise of IS in Iraq in the first place. Lessons must be learnt from the mistakes of post-Saddam planning and these must not be repeated post-IS. There needs to be a multifaceted approach to the preparation for the liberation of Mosul that goes well beyond the military dimension.
Topic:: Conflict Resolution, International Relations, and International Security
Political Geography:: Middle East

Author:: Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
Publication Date:: 08-2016
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Middle East Research Institute (MERI)
Abstract:: The roadmap to independence starts from home and ends at home. A fragmented and unstable Kurdistan Region is neither good for the stability of the Kurdistan Region nor for Iraq or the rest of the Middle East. Institutionalisation of national unity and promotion of good governance are a key priority in every country of the Middle East, and even more so for an emerging one like the Kurdistan Region.
Topic:: International Relations and Peacekeeping
Political Geography:: Middle East

Author:: Dylan O’Driscoll
Publication Date:: 07-2016
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Middle East Research Institute (MERI)
Abstract:: There is the opportunity for the rebirth of Mosul and Nineveh, as well as for Iraq, but without a valid plan in place for the liberation of Mosul, that includes the formation of political agreements and huge post-conflict efforts of reconstruction, reconciliation and de-radicalisation, it will be a stillbirth rather than the beginning of a new and promising life.
Topic:: International Relations and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Middle East

Author:: Athanasios Manis
Publication Date:: 07-2016
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Middle East Research Institute (MERI)
Abstract:: This report is a contribution to the public debate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) about crucial aspects of the current economic crisis and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) immediate response. In addition, it looks at the impact of four different policy options, such as a.) independence b.) rapprochement with Baghdad c.) macro-financing from International Stakeholders and d.) macro-financial assistance from Regional Stakeholders, may have in averting an economic meltdown in the short-term, on the assumption that the oil prices will remain suppressed for the foreseeable future. This report 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 in the public sector and start working on the diversification of the economy.
Topic:: International Relations, International Cooperation, and International Security
Political Geography:: Middle East

Author:: Aram Mahmood
Publication Date:: 07-2016
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Middle East Research Institute (MERI)
Abstract:: The current policy of salary reductions might have been the only available emergency measure for the KRG to counter its empty treasury. However, continuing the current policy, focusing on a single sector of the economy is an unsuitable response to the on-going financial crisis and is likely to significantly dampen and delay recovery.
Topic:: International Security and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Middle East

Author:: MERI
Publication Date:: 07-2016
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Middle East Research Institute (MERI)
Abstract:: The MERI Economic Forum 2016 is the first of its kind to be held in Iraq or the Kurdistan Region. Iraq and the KRI, at the time of the forum in April 2016, were in the midst of a severe financial and economic crisis and searching for ways to move away from the rentier-state economic model to restructure and grow the economy.
Topic:: International Relations and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Middle East

Refine your search