Neo-feudal militancy: How Iran-backed proxy groups operate in the Middle East

Iran and its clients created a reinvention of medieval feudalism. Leaders recruit fighters, wage war against outsiders and extort from residents.
The ISIS Threat Is Not to Be Forgotten

ISIS is still operational in different parts of the world with the intention of maintaining its potential threat to security.
What Does ISIS’ Survival Tell Us About Countermeasures?

Why has ISIS has been able to survive and display “a resilient insurgency” despite the international community’s efforts to eradicate the group?
Women’s Freedom in Iraq: A Conversation With Yanar Mohammed

MENAF sits down for an interview with Yanar Mohammed, founder of the the Organization of Women’s Freedom, to discuss women’s rights in Iraq.
The ISIS Threat in 2023

Counter-ISIS operations will only succeed by addressing tensions between partner forces and corruption, and strengthening local governing capacity.
Can the Iraqi Prime Minister implement his pledges?

After more than a year of political stalemate, the Iraqi government headed by Mohammad Shiaa al-Sudani was formed, and his selections for ministerial positions were passed without much Parliamentary obstruction. […]
Muqtada’s Retirement from Iraqi Politics Shows the Power of the Maraji

On 29 August 2022, Muqtada Al-Sadr, Iraq’s Shi’ite-nationalist leader, announced his permanent retirement from Iraqi politics. One of the major factors that led to this announcement was the decision by […]
Iraq’s Diplomatic Mediations: Strong on Symbolism but Short on Substance

Over the last two years, Iraq has been overwhelmed with protests, internal instability, US-Iran confrontation on Iraqi soil, political stalemate, and intra-Shia power rivalries. However, against all odds, Iraq has […]
Domestic Political Chaos Is Not the Only Thing Happening in Iraq

It appears that calm has returned to Iraq after the reported intervention of Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the country’s chief and widely respected Shia cleric. In recent weeks, violence had occurred […]
Iraq’s Educational System: History and Rebuilding Process Post-Daesh

Introduction Wars, conflicts and resistance campaigns not only destroyed the economy of Iraq, but also severely damaged the education system. The public education system is the backbone of any civil […]