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enhancing understanding of iraq through programs, research and advocacy
EPIC Summer 2023 Highlights & Upcoming Initiatives
Dear EPIC supporter, We are thrilled to share with you the latest updates on EPIC’s ongoing mission to advance peace and development in Iraq. As we approach our 25th anniversary, our commitment to the cause remains unwavering, and we are excited to showcase the impactful strides we’ve taken over this past summer. Unveiling Insights into Iraq’s Water Diplomacy Challenges and Solutions In July, we unveiled our newest publication, “Water Diplomacy in the Land of Two Rivers.” The product of months of intensive research and insightful interviews with top experts in the field, this timely report examines the pressing issues surrounding Iraq’s quest
Can oil and water mix?: Creating opportunities for Iraq-Turkey cooperation
Originally published by the Middle East Institute — August 31, 2023 Last week saw a flurry of diplomatic activity between Baghdad and Ankara. The top priorities in the talks that took place in Erbil, Ankara, and Baghdad almost simultaneously were oil exports, the presence of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Iraq, and Iraq’s water crisis. The visits by Ankara’s foreign and energy ministers to Iraq and by Baghdad’s oil minister to Turkey were preparations for an anticipated visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Iraq, which Iraqi sources think could happen in September, to agree on a way forward on these
Iraq’s Electoral Democracy on the Line: A Call for Extending UNAMI’s Mandate
By EPIC’s Editorial Team On April 19, Judge Jalil Adnan Khalaf, Chairman of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), reportedly resigned under pressure from influential political factions, raising concerns about the integrity of Iraq’s electoral system. This development, coupled with recent amendments to Iraq’s election law (published here), poses a formidable challenge to the progress made in electoral reforms following the Tishreen protests in October 2019, which aimed for a more democratic and accountable government. The Tishreen protest movement underscored the urgent need for overhauling Iraq’s electoral law. Among the primary demands were an end to the sectarian allocation system,
Taking stock of the first 100 days of Iraq’s new government
Originally published by the Middle East Institute — January 31, 2023 In its first 100 days in office, the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani has already left warning signs about what might lie ahead for the country. Although it is still in its early days, government actions have largely strayed from the promises Sudani made before taking office and resulted in setbacks for Iraq’s economy, security, sovereignty, and human rights. The situation deserves the attention of observers and stakeholders, who should keep a close eye on what follows and consider adjusting their approach to the administration. Sudani’s appointment
NOW AVAILABLE IN ARABIC, NEW REPORT EXAMINES HOW YOUNG IRAQIS ARE ENVISIONING POLITICAL CHANGE, A NEW IRAQI STATE, AND THE FUTURE ROLE OF RELIGION
In recent years, many Iraqis have been expressing growing frustration with political dysfunction, corruption, and poor economic conditions, which they largely blame on muhasasa, the ethno-sectarian apportionment of political offices that has characterized politics in Iraq since 2003. This frustration gave rise to popular protest demanding systemic change, most notably in 2019, when the Tishreen (October) revolution saw hundreds of thousands gather at Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, Nasiriyah’s Haboubi Square, and in towns all across southern Iraq. Based on their slogans and demands, the protesters made clear their desire to see an end to the current political system and established political parties.
EPIC WELCOMES SUMMER 2022 INTERNS
At least once a year, EPIC welcomes a new cohort of interns – young professionals seeking to add practical experience to their academic backgrounds in humanitarian affairs, international relations, security studies, political science, public relations, and beyond. We are grateful for their contributions to our research, action, and advocacy, and for the opportunity to connect them to Iraq and its people. Please join us in welcoming our Summer 2022 interns: Hinda and Rebaz! Hinda Shakeeb: was born and raised in Baghdad and is a recent graduate from Colorado States University with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. In addition to
The Tishreen Report in Arabic is Here!
If you want to understand the Tishreen movement, you need the best information, and insight from the people who are part of it. Through focus groups with Tishreen and Iraqi Kurdish activists, a national public survey, and dozens of detailed interviews, this report offers an unmatched, detailed inside look into Iraq’s ongoing popular movement for reform. The report is uniquely valuable because of our close relationships with Iraqi activists and peacebuilders on the ground. From the beginning, we wanted it to be a resource for them. That’s why we’re so proud to announce the Tishreen report is now available in
Celebrating the Contributions of Iraqi Women to World Civilization
Today is International Women’s Day, a time to honor the struggles of women around the world and celebrate women’s achievements across time. This week on social media, we have been highlighting the important contributions of women in Iraq. Now, we would like to introduce you to one of Iraq’s most celebrated women — the first human whose name was recorded along with her writing. Her name was Enheduanna. She lived more than 4,200 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. She was a poet, a priestess, and an Akkadian princess. She hailed from the Sumerian city-state of Ur, birthplace of the written
Three goals for impact in 2022
Iraqis have been undergoing tremendous change as they work for a better future, and EPIC is adapting along with them. In 2022, we will sharply focus on three program areas: peace and recovery, human rights and governance, and responding to the effects of climate change. Peace: Recovering after conflict Recovery is not only about buildings and infrastructure. Violence also causes mental and emotional destruction, and tears the social fabric of a community that allows a society to thrive. After a successful pilot project in Sinjar that trained Iraqi changemakers in social media production and change strategy, we are expanding our
Ten things you should know about Iraq
Yesterday, I posted this 15-minute festive video describing Ten things you should know about Iraq and EPIC’s plans for the New Year. It’s part of our year-end giving campaign. In true holiday spirit, we kick off the list with three of Iraq’s most profound gifts to the world, including contributions to science and religion. Then the list turns to three things that you should know about what’s happening in Iraq right now. I close out the list with EPIC’s plans for 2022 and last but not least, an update on our year-end giving campaign. So I hope you’ll grab
Recent Milestones and Plans Underway
What a month! We’ve been hard at work in October and early November, producing cutting-edge research, engaging policymakers and media, and building a new pillar of our work for 2022. Here are a few highlights of our recent work: One-of-a-kind research EPIC published the #TishreenReport, the product of a year-long study and countless in-depth interviews, including focus group discussions with Iraqi and Kurdish activists. Few publications offer this authentic, ground-level glimpse of Iraq’s national protest movement. It includes an account of the origins of the Tishreen movement, its commitment to reform through nonviolence, the challenges of militias and other obstacles
While Iraq’s next government may be “business as usual,” the election has planted the seeds for change
Originally published by The Middle East Institute – November 1, 2021 Iraq’s Oct. 10 election may be more consequential than its immediate results suggest. Some of the subtle facts and dynamics surrounding the election point to interesting trends and possibilities, more so than the headline-grabbing expansion of Muqtada al-Sadr’s power in the Iraqi legislature, or the losses suffered by candidates representing Iran-backed militias. It may seem paradoxical at first, but this election could provide the conditions for a future rebound in voter engagement. The record low turnout, which Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) put at 43% of registered voters (equivalent to 38% of eligible voters),
