Iraq is a war-scarred country currently mired in political paralysis, with no agreement on the next president. UN Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert reported that, four months after parliamentary elections, Iraqi politicians still struggle to form a government. “It is urgent for Iraq’s political leaders to overcome divisions, to put aside partisanship and to bury personal vendettas.” The people of Iraq have dire needs, which include employment opportunities, safety and security, adequate public services, justice, and meaningful participation of women and youth. The Iraqi political landscape therefore faces the contradiction between the interests of Iraqi elites and their obligation toward their constituents who count on them to lead the country through the difficult times ahead.

Dr. Abbas Kadhim is Resident Senior Fellow and Director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC. Prior to that, he was a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University in Washington, and a senior adviser to the UNESCO Chair at Kufa University (Iraq). His research interests focus on Iraq, Iran, and Gulf Arab States. Prior to Joining SAIS, Kadhim held a Senior Government Affairs position at the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, DC. Among his books are: Reclaiming Iraq: the 1920 Revolution and the Founding of the Modern State, The Hawza under Siege, Governance in the Middle East and North Africa. His current research project is focusing on rebuilding Iraq’s Political Economy.