The Future of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

In the coming year, the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq will serve as the launchpad for U.S.-supported efforts to liberate Raqqa and Mosul, the capitals of the so-called Islamic State. It will play this role at a time when its economy is in crisis, due in part to the crushing weight of supporting 1.8 million refugees. In the longer term, expectations are growing that Kurdistan may attempt a new run at internationally recognized statehood.

To provide an insider's perspective on these issues, The Washington Institute is pleased to host a Policy Forum withHemin Hawrami, foreign policy advisor to Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani and a senior member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party. Drawing on his day-to-day involvement in policymaking, he will discuss the state of U.S.-Kurdish military cooperation, the situation in Iraq and Syria, Kurdistan's current economic needs, and the region's future.

In addition, David Pollock, the Institute's Kaufman Fellow, will outline some of the key challenges facing the Kurdistan Region in the coming years as it seeks to attract international support and avoid backlash from its neighbors. Michael Knights, a Lafer Fellow with the Institute, will introduce the speakers and moderate the Q&A.

http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-future-of-the-kurdistan-region-of-iraq