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Iraq

Carles Puigdemont Mariano Rajoy

World Won’t Let Catalonia or Kurdistan Come Quietly onto the Map

Independence for Catalonia and Kurdistan would upend the regional order in Europe and the Middle East.

Ryan BohlRyan BohlOctober 4, 2017December 1, 2021

Iraq’s Kurds Deserve the West’s Support for Their Own State

How much longer do they need to wait?

Nick OttensNick OttensSeptember 21, 2017November 20, 2021

Iraq Takes Similar Approach to Separatist Challenge as Spain

Both governments try to stop independence referendums by legal means. Neither appears to be succeeding.

Nick OttensNick OttensSeptember 13, 2017November 30, 2021

After Caliphate’s Fall, A Spending Challenge

Once the Islamic State is defeated, governments will face the challenge of rebuilding.

Avatar photoDean KlovensAugust 21, 2017July 31, 2020
Barcelona Spain

Catalans, Kurds, Given No Other Choice, Announce Referendums

Denied more autonomy by Madrid and Baghdad, the two minorities push for votes on independence.

Nick OttensNick OttensJune 9, 2017November 30, 2021

Defeat in Mosul Will Not Eliminate the Islamic State

Pushing the Islamic State out of Mosul could bring more destruction to the capitals of Europe.

Avatar photoDean KlovensFebruary 6, 2017July 31, 2020

A Tale of Two Cities in Mosul

A sense of normalcy is returning in liberated Eastern Mosul. In Western Mosul, the Islamic State still rules.

David DowningDavid DowningFebruary 5, 2017July 31, 2020

After Mosul Falls, What Then?

The Iranians, Russians, Saudis and Turks are all jockeying for influence in Iraq while America looks on wearily.

Ryan BohlRyan BohlOctober 27, 2016November 21, 2021

What the Upcoming Battle of Mosul Tells Us About the Iraqi State

Mosul fell because of the Iraqi state’s dysfunction. The counteroffensive may succeed, but it won’t be enough.

Ryan BohlRyan BohlAugust 11, 2016July 2, 2020

Can We Now Finally Bury the “Bad Intelligence” Myth?

By continuing to blame “bad intelligence” for the Iraq War, Western leaders are shirking their responsibility.

Nick OttensNick OttensJuly 7, 2016November 28, 2021

Partition Is Not the Answer to Iraq’s Problems

Splitting the country in three wouldn’t make Iraq more governable. What it needs is different leadership.

Ryan BohlRyan BohlMay 23, 2016November 30, 2021

Kurdish Independence Would Reverberate Across Region

Independence for the Kurds could destabilize Iraq’s neighbors and upset long-standing alliances.

Avatar photoGlobal Risk InsightsMarch 17, 2016November 30, 2021

Timing Ideal for Iraq’s Kurds to Declare Independence

Regional factors have arrayed in the Kurds’ favor. Things might not stay the same for long.

Avatar photoGlobal Risk InsightsMarch 12, 2016November 20, 2021

“Era of Sykes-Picot is Over”: Kurdish Leader

Iraq and Syria cannot be put back together again.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 23, 2016November 20, 2021
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Barack Obama David Cameron

After Paris, Obama Stays the Course Against Islamic State

Politicians thumping their chests are letting the shock of the attacks cloud their judgement.

Nick OttensNick OttensNovember 20, 2015November 4, 2021

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