Centre-state relations
Much debate has focussed on the question of what federal structure is appropriate for Iraq. Generally speaking, Iraqi Kurdish politicians favour a loose federal arrangement, while other groups argue for greater centralisation. Some commentators, especially in the USA, have even suggested dividing Iraq into three or more separate states.
- Reidar Visser: Another Iraq deadline passes (17 Sept 2006)
Analysis of the prospects for federalism in Iraq. Visser believes that support for federalism is quite limited, but is strongest among communities which find it difficult to communicate with the USA.
- Global IDP Project 'Iraq: continued insecurity adds to vulnerability of over 1 million IDPs' (24 Nov 2004)
- Can local governance save central government? (27 Oct 2004)
Report by the International Crisis Group. It argues that local elections should be held even if national elections prove impossible, and that, and that by empowering Iraqis these elections will help the central government to retain some legitimacy. The full report also available in pdf or MS Word format.
- Iraq's Kurds: towards an historic compromise? (08 Apr 2004)
Report from the International Crisis Group, analysing Kurdish demands for autonomy and the disputes surrounding Kirkuk. Full report available in pdf and MS Word formats, and in Arabic