The discussion over the last six weeks has allowed us to consider a number of topics, everything from principles for dialogue on the sensitive topic of the disputed territories to understanding better how the people are affected by political disputes in these areas to attempting to identify specific issues that are priorities for improving the situation.

This week’s...

In last week’s forum, one of the issues that emerged as a starting point for beginning to address the complex problems in the disputed areas was to hold local elections in Kirkuk.

It was pointed out that local elections are a legitimate right of the Kirkuki people just like all other Iraqis. But it was also said that elections are hindered by several problems including...

The questions surrounding the future of Kirkuk and other disputed territories in Ninewa and Diyala are extremely complicated. There are so many issues that it often feels difficult to know where to start in trying to resolve the puzzle.

From the standpoint of the ordinary people of these areas, what issues most urgently need to be addressed to improve daily life? Should there be...

Photo: Digital Trekker

The Iraqi constitution says that a permanent resolution to the Disputed Territories must follow “the principles of justice” and take into account the will of the people in these areas – as determined by popular referendum.

How should “the people” be involved in determining the future of these areas? So far, the main discussion on the future of...

When a delegation from Kirkuk visited the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament in February they said that: “Iraq is facing several problems, but Kirkuk is suffering from additional problems." This is unfortunately is true in all the disputed areas.

In Kirkuk for example, unresolved land and property issues are harming the province and its population. Solving this...

Photo: USIP

The words we use to talk about sensitive issues like Kirkuk and other Disputed Territories are important. The governorates of Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Diyala are home to a diverse population of Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, and smaller components such as Yazidis, Caldo-Assyrians and Shebek. Many who live in these areas have family connections, speak each other's languages and worry that talking about...