Iraq’s 2015 Political Parties Law was designed to regulate campaign financing & party ties to armed groups — but it’s never been enforced. In The New Arab, @haydersh.bsky.social explains how this leaves Iraq’s democracy suspended between legality & impunity. www.newarab.com/analysis/ove...

In this @amwajmedia.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social explains how 4 years after Tishreen-linked MPs entered parliament, reform efforts have stalled. Structural and organisational barriers kept them sidelined, while entrenched elites continue to control the system. amwaj.media/en/article/w...

A key factor in this election is the political and economic influence of armed groups, which have managed to retain their power as the state has yet to demonstrate full capacity or will to enforce broad disarmament, says @haydersh.bsky.social in @wsj.com. www.wsj.com/world/middle...

Informal cross-border trade has expanded significantly over the past decade [in Iraq] as sanctions on Iran have increasingly impacted everyday life, says @haydersh.bsky.social via @afpnews.bsky.social and Arab News. www.arabnews.com/node/2596773...

📣 Announcing the 2025 #IraqInitiative Conference! Join us on 1 October @chathamhouse.org & online for our 7th annual conference to explore how Iraq can secure more lasting stability and economic resilience in an era of regional and global uncertainty.

'Rather than ushering in a new era of sustainability for Iraq... it appears that carbon credits will only align with a national policy of delaying & obstructing meaningful action on climate change,' writes @alktaif.bsky.social in a new Iraq Initiative article. kalam.chathamhouse.org/articles/car...

Well that’s a headline I did not except to see. Ever.

The Houthis are the one part of the Axis of Resistance that grew stronger in the last year. Airstrikes will not deter attacks on Red Sea shipping or influence Iran.

Check out our latest research paper exploring the adaptability of the 'Axis of Resistance' by examining its historical evolution, current dynamics, and policy responses, while presenting alternative approaches for engagement.

📺 'Because of the relative stability in the last few years in Iraq, this project presents an opportunity to gain some autonomy and to gain some power.' @renadmansour.bsky.social speaks to @wsj.com about Iraq's plans to construct an alternative to the Suez Canal ⤵️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=OypN...

Check out our latest research paper exploring the adaptability of the 'Axis of Resistance' by examining its historical evolution, current dynamics, and policy responses, while presenting alternative approaches for engagement.

The setbacks faced by Iran's 'axis of resistance' in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria has led some policymakers to conclude that Iran and its allies are severely weakened. New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.

Read the full research paper by @renadmansour.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social and @haidhaid22.bsky.social for an in-depth examination of the axis of resistance resiliance and the policy approaches needed to counter it. 9/9 www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...

📢NEW PAPER by @chathamhouse.bsky.social XCEPT Research 'The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’: How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures' by @renadmansour.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social & @haidhaid22.bsky.social.🧵 www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...

Chatham House experts and researchers are available to follow on Bluesky. Connect with them here and follow them for their latest analysis on international events and global trends. ⬇️ go.bsky.app/UKHXrog

The removal of Assad disrupts a key channel for Iranian influence increasing Tehran’s reliance on Iraqi proxies. This intensifies Baghdad’s efforts to assert control over armed groups & prevent unchecked interference, @haydersh.bsky.social via @thenewarab.bsky.social www.newarab.com/analysis/ira...

“By offering a relatively safe entry point into Iraq’s public debate, climate activism has become a gateway for broader civic engagement.” Good read from @haydersh.bsky.social. Climate activism can help spur better governance in Iraq and the wider region. www.chathamhouse.org/publications...

My quick look at the momentous news from #Syria, for @newyorker.com www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...

There was no place more feared in Assad’s Syria than Sednaya Military Prison. By Sunday, the guards had fled, its doors were flung open and this fortress of terrified silence was alive with the sounds of parents and children calling out for their missing. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...

Interesting discussions at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. Thanks to the International Institute for Strategic Studies and especially to the Young Leaders Programme for having me. #IISSMD24 #MDYoungLeaders

Iraq has appeared relatively stable under PM Sudani and the ruling SCF in recent years. But that stability remains precarious, making the coming year pivotal for the country, @renadmansour.bsky.social writes.

Fascinating, innovative mapping of the relationship between supply chains & conflict in the Levant by Hayder El-Shakeri and Renad Mansour: www.chathamhouse.org/2024/11/how-...

Transnational conflict in the Middle East is fuelled by both ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ trade. Mapping these cross-border dynamics can help understand and address violent conflict.

It was great to moderate a panel on the current situation of the Iraqi economy at the sixth #IraqInitiative Conference at @chathamhouse.bsky.social