The State of Iraqi Democracy
Ebenezer Agbeko argues that violent sectarian divisions, internal political deadlock, regional insecurity, and the legacy of foreign occupation all work against the emergence of a robust democratic culture in Iraq.
Women in Iraq
This article introduces a gender-framed analysis of the Iraq war and continuing occupation. Through this analysis the author illustrates how the coalition forces’ ignorance of the cultural context within which their actions took place has impeded upon women’s empowerment. By analysing the conflict and occupation within the framework of honour and shame, the further argument is made that, despite the rhetoric of ‘women’s liberation’ used to justify the war, the consequences of the conflict have run contrary to any claim made to emancipate women.
The author concludes that it is only through re-framing our analysis of the Iraqi conflict, with gender at the fore, that we are better able to understand the conflict as a whole. Further that it is only through self-reflection and a concentration on the peaceful empowerment of society as a whole that we are able to counter all forms of violence against women.
Keywords: Gender, Iraq, Insurgency, War on Terrorism, Occupation, Humiliation, Honour and Shame, Self-reflection, Empowerment.
War Anniversaries: it’s all going so well, isn’t it?
War Anniversaries: it’s all going so well, isn’t it? Author: Jan Oberg and Annette Schiffmann Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on 03/20/2009 March 20 marks the 6th anniversary of the US-led invasion and ongoing occupation of Iraq – coming upon 12 years of the most cruel sanctions history has witnessed. About 2 million […]
2011 in Peace and Conflict
The Peace and Conflict Monitor digests some of 2011’s most relevant events in peace and conflict.
Education’s Role In Combating Terrorism, Violence and Extremism in Iraq
Majid Ahmed Salih discusses his initial research into the question of how the education system can be used to promote security and prevent terrorism and violence in Iraq.
Interview with Professor Amr Abdalla
Amr Abdalla talks to Joseph Schumacher about conflict resolution and prevention, the world of Islam and the problems of the Middle East.
Interview with Mary King
ASHOK PATNAIK, a journalist working mostly on the Indian sub-continent, questions Professor Mary King, peace activist, academic, authority on non-violence and author of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr: The Power of Nonviolent Action, which is about to be reissued in India and elsewhere. Professor Mary King is currently professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at UPEACE where, amongst other duties, she advises the Rector on the development of the Africa programme.
Interview with Elisabeth Skons
Peace and Conflict Monitor news editor, Joseph Schumacher, interviewed Elisabeth Skons about her views on the current security issues facing Europe. Ms Skons is the project leader for research into ‘Military Expenditure and Arms Production’ at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an institute in Sweden. SIPRI is one of the foremost Peace Research Institutions in Europe. The interview took place on the 19th of last Month.
The “Other” Occupy
Victoria Fontan reports from Occupy Fallujah.
The Plight of Iraqi Women
Years of war and insecurity in Iraq have had a devastating impact on society generally, and women in particular. Majid Ahmed Salih discusses the issues of gender inequality under Iraqi law, widowhood and orphanhood as results of war, and the exploitation of Iraqi women in the international sex industry.