Recent protests in Iraq have demanded an end to rampant state corruption, the removal of foreign influences from Iraqi politics and the proper provision of public services. State-Society Relations in Iraq The causes of these demands are partially shaped by the myriad militia groups that began to emerge at the end of the Ba’athist era in 2003. They took on greate
Read MoreSince 2003, Iraq has not seen the type of upheaval it witnesses today. Could it lead to genuine political change? In October 2018, when Adel Abdul Mahdi was named prime minister of Iraq, there was widespread optimism both domestically and internationally that the new government he would lead would be able to move the country forward. A little more than a year later, he had t
Read MoreThis study by IOM Iraq, Returns Working Group (RWG), and Social Inquiry delves into the various issues and challenges that IDPs consider when assessing the affordability of return, and accordingly, the calculations they make when considering whether or not to remain in displacement. According to the report findings, affordability is less an economic calculation tha
Read MoreSource: BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50756004?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cvenzmgyljrt/iraq&link_location=live-reporting-story
Read MoreIraq is facing serious unrest that is likely to force limited reforms in the political system but not wholesale change. The current Iraqi power structure, with Iranian support, will use a mix of repression, cooptation, and limited concessions to weaken the opposition. The opposition’s lack of clear leadership makes such tactics more likely to succeed. The U.S. position in Iraq
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