Publication

Control of the Iraqi security apparatus and army was key in ensuring Prime Minister al-Maliki's dominant role in Iraq's political landscape. In addition to that, a weak legal framework and divisions among the prime minister’s opponents helped facilitate his rise to power. The paper presents three recommendations for Iraq's political groups: 1) invest in bolstering Iraq’s legal apparatus and state institutions; 2) strengthen ties with Iraqi citizens; and 3) work together to build a more inclusive government.