Tag "Iraq"
Symbioses of power in Iraq and the Popular Mobilisation Units
In my first article I discussed the risk of perpetual violence in Iraq and Syria fuelled by both numerous non-state actors there and the increasingly cronyistic authoritarian system in which they operate. This was followed by a more detailed look into the illicit economic activities of militias across Iraq and Syria. Leading on from this, today’s commentary will shift from an economic to a more political focus, exploring the symbioses of power in Iraq and the role of the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU).
Iraq and Syria: The Local and Regional Impact of Illicit Economies
In my previous article, I discussed the risk of Iraq and Syria entering a state of perpetual violence brought about by militias, to sustain their presence and maintain their profits. High rates of unemployment and increasing militarisation of governance and the economy, have meant that forming, joining and sustaining militias has become one of the few profitable rent-seeking methods. This article examines their illicit economic activities in greater detail showing the impact on a local to regional scale and the wider reverberating consequences.
Public Sector Reform: A Way Forward for Iraq?
The public sector in Iraq accounts for the majority of employment in the oil-rich country. Plummeting oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in economic crisis and an ever increasing budget deficit. Where there is crisis however, there is opportunity: will 2021 bring a much needed reform of the public sector in Iraq?
Iraq: The Political Economy of Corruption
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.
Water Shortage and Unrest in Iraq
Iraq is experiencing high youth unemployment rates and an ongoing protest movement motivated by socio-political grievances. The lack of water is contributing to unrest in the country.
Iraq: Protests and Reforms
Years of governmental neglect has driven Iraq’s Shiites to the streets, precipitating an ever-deepening crisis for Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s government.
US power vacuum in the Middle East: What next?
Under President Trump, the United States is looking to play a minor role in the Middle East and this reduced American presence will cause distortions in the region.
Kurdistan Region stalls government formation
The last several years have been turbulent for the oil-rich Kurdistan Region. The local elections in September represented an opportunity to introduce some stability.
Iraq: Impact of the Syrian war’s next stage
The Syrian Civil war is nearing its end game. This article, part three of a five-part series on the regional impact of this news, examines the current economic obstacles and opportunities for Iraq. Part one of the series considered Syria, the second part assessed Jordan.
Haider al-Abadi: From success to despair
Since 2014, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq has had to deal with an unending series of problems including corruption, the war against the Islamic State (IS), and sectarianism. Following a poor performance in the May elections and the mass protests in Basra, will Abadi survive?
