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Since the escalation of armed conflict in Iraq that began with ISIS seizing territory in Anbar in January 2014, 3.2 million people have fled their homes.

As Refugees International reports: “They are living in rented accommodations, unfinished buildings, and makeshift camps, often without adequate food, water, or medical care. Of the 3.2 million displaced, 2.3 million are in central and south Iraq.”

EPIC Director Erik Gustafson talks with Refugees International‘s Senior Advocate Daryl Grisgraber about her recent mission to Baghdad and her visits to the southern city of Hilla and a hard-to-reach area in Anbar. Join us for a stunning firsthand assessment of the crisis, including untold stories of some of the families most affected and of youth volunteers who are responding to their needs.

We also talk with our lead Iraq analyst, Ahmed Ali, who is currently based with the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at American University of Iraq – Sulaimani. Ahmed shares his perspective on where things are heading in the fight against ISIS, new challenges facing Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, and the recent civil unrest in Iraqi Kurdistan.

So grab a cup of hot chocolate, sit back, and enjoy some fresh views from one of the world’s leading refugee advocates and our man in Sulaimani.