Iraq Faces New Tests After Hawija Offensive, Part 2

Iraq Faces New Tests After Hawija Offensive, Part 2

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

By: Sarhang Hamasaeed;  Osama Gharizi

The military offensive to uproot ISIS from the northern Iraqi city of Hawija, entering a new phase this week, is aimed at clearing out an estimated 1,000-2,000 insurgents from what is one of the extremist group’s last Iraqi strongholds. The next battle will be the layers of ethnic, religious and sectarian tension that will complicate any recovery.

Type: Blog

Conflict Analysis & PreventionViolent Extremism

Iraq Danger Grows After Kurdistan Independence Vote

Iraq Danger Grows After Kurdistan Independence Vote

Thursday, September 28, 2017

By: Dr. Elie Abouaoun;  Sarhang Hamasaeed

Iraqi political leaders in Baghdad and Erbil, the Kurdistan regional capital, have escalated their rhetoric this week, as Kurdish officials reported 92 percent approval of the Sept. 25 nonbinding vote on independence for the region. The verbal volleys and intensifying actions risk triggering another outbreak of violent conflict.

Type: Blog

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Elections & Conflict

Colombia Peace: A Year in the Life of the New Accord with FARC

Colombia Peace: A Year in the Life of the New Accord with FARC

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

By: Steve Hege;  Maria Antonia Montes

A year ago today, hundreds of joyous Colombians and world leaders gathered in the humid coastal city of Cartagena as the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a comprehensive settlement that once had seemed unattainable. But while implementation of the accord continues generally in the right direction, it is often traveling a bumpy road.

Type: Blog

Peace Processes

Tunisian Student Unions Bridge Islamist, Secular Divide

Tunisian Student Unions Bridge Islamist, Secular Divide

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

By: Fred Strasser

The dividing line between the young Tunisians was evident as they gathered to attempt a dialogue between their university’s two rival student unions, groups tied to the country’s main political parties. On the right side of the room sat the Islamists, whose politics are closely bound to their religion. On the left were the secularists, adherents of an array of left-leaning ideologies.

Type: In the Field

Violent ExtremismReligionMediation, Negotiation & DialogueDemocracy & Governance