Feature articles in this theme:
By Liam Anderson
04 May 2010 |
World Politics Review
Over the space of the next 5-10 years, Iraq's political leaders must
grapple with a series of contentious issues that cut to the core
of the design of the Iraqi state. Many of these divisive issues are intertwined, and relate in
one way or another to the current and future status of the Kurds in
Iraq. The "big picture" question facing
Iraq is whether the Kurds can be comfortably accommodated within the new
political order and, if so, how.
By Michael Wahid Hanna
04 May 2010 |
World Politics Review
As Iraq's political leaders crisscrossed the region holding meetings in
various neighboring capitals in the run-up to and aftermath of the March
7 parliamentary elections, they underscored a stark reality: Iraq's future is not solely in its own
hands, and due to its weakness, the country's future course will be
shaped by both the actions and interference of its neighbors. Less
clear is Iraq's contribution to the region's future.
By J. Edward Conway
04 May 2010 |
World Politics Review
When President Barack Obama first announced his plan in early 2009
for withdrawal from Iraq, it initiated a debate within U.S. national
security circles: Would Shiite insurgents operating in the country stage
a final attack on U.S. troops as they withdrew? The concerns of U.S. policymakers and
counterinsurgency analysts were not unfounded. They needed to look no further than Lebanon to find historical examples
of Shiite-led offensives aimed at claiming responsibility for pushing
out a foreign occupier.
By Gregg Carlstrom
04 May 2010 |
World Politics Review
In dozens of statements, interviews and news conferences since taking
office, President Barack Obama has been adamant about sticking to his withdrawal
timetable in Iraq. Ending
the war was one of his most often-repeated campaign promises, and public opinion continues to weigh in strongly against delaying the
withdrawal. And yet, the prospect of doing just that continues
to be a hot topic in Washington.