Iraq

Peoples Under Threat Ranking:
#6
0

Communities at risk

Shi'a, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkmen, Christians, Mandaeans, Yezidis, Shabak, Faili Kurds, Bahá'ís, Palestinians

Summary

Iraq has been unable to outgrow a legacy of authoritarian rule and the sectarian tensions it nurtured for decades prior to their intensification following the US-led invasion of 2003. Calling for fundamental reforms to the post-2003 political system, the emergence of mass anti-government protests in 2019 led to early elections in October 2021. Yet it… Read more »

Peoples Under Threat Data

2021 Data Peoples under Threat value
Self-determination conflicts5
Major armed conflict2
Prior genocide / politicide1
Flight of refugees and IDPs0.0475
Legacy of vengeance - group grievance8.2
Rise of factionalized elites9.6
Voice and Accountability-1.010
Political Stability-2.528
Rule of Law-1.754
OECD country risk classification7
TOTAL20.109

The overall measure for each country is based on a basket of 10 indicators. The number in each row is drawn from the source for that particular indicator. The sources of data and calculations used are detailed on the Notes to Table page. 

Background

Iraq has been unable to outgrow a legacy of authoritarian rule and the sectarian tensions it nurtured for decades prior to their intensification following the US-led invasion of 2003. Calling for fundamental reforms to the post-2003 political system, the emergence of mass anti-government protests in 2019 led to early elections in October 2021. Yet it remains doubtful whether a nationally unifying sense of legitimate political authority can be ushered in. Assassinations, threats and bribery characterized the lead-up to the elections. Various Shi’a political groups, many with ties to Iran, have retained their influence over Iraqi politics. In diverse regions such as Ninewa – exceptionally hard-hit by ISIS and the joint campaign by the Iraqi military, a US-led coalition and Kurdish forces to dislodge the group – feelings of neglect and mistrust toward the state and other communities persist. Having regrouped in recent years and seeking to recruit disillusioned Sunni Arabs, ISIS has since 2020 escalated attacks, frequently on civilians and particularly in the provinces of Kirkuk, Salahaddin and Diyala.