The new Iraqi electoral law reveals much about ongoing debates and power struggles in the country, particularly between Arabs and Kurds.
The July 2009 provincial elections changed not only political life in Iraqi Kurdistan, but also the outlook for national elections in January 2010.
Iraq faces a combination of security, political and economic challenges. While most Iraqis want security, good governance, and development, the politics of Iraq seem to be dragging the country down the familiar path of internal division and political paralysis. Steps need to be taken, both regionally and internationally, to address the problems threatening Iraq’s future.
The July 25 elections for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) changed the dynamics of Kurdish politics in Iraq; for the first time real political opposition to the two ruling Kurdish parties emerged.
The surprise success of Gorran, the Kurdish "Change" movement in Iraq, during recent elections is proof that democratic politics is taking root in parts of the country.
Post-war Iraq has a role to play as a regional leader in the Gulf. This discussion aims to identify the research and policy opportunities to place Iraq higher on the European Agenga.
Much of what President Obama promised in his historic speech in Cairo will take a long time to fulfill. But there is one place where his influence could be used for immediate and important results: resolving the Kurdish question in Turkey and northern Iraq.
Iraqi security forces are increasingly capable of maintaining the relative calm in Iraq, and U.S. role is shifting toward providing logistical support and training, which is a “tremendous change in the mission” according to Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister Rafe H. Al-Eissawi.
Awakening movement members are being integrated in the country's politics as well as its security forces.
The Middle East and North Africa have been less affected by the global economic crisis so far, allowing Middle Eastern governments to continue delaying the deep economic and governance reforms required for long-term economic growth in the region.











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