Regulating Subsidies of fuel to Rationalize Consumption Hayder Al-Khafaji The paper proposes alternative policies, such as lifting the fuel subsidy without harming the poor or lower-middle-class, which would help reduce consumption and smuggling, leading to reduced imports and state losses due to unregulated subsidies, saving more than 7 trillion Iraqi dinars annually. The funds saved can be invested in building a refinery of the same size as the Karbala refinery, capable of meeting local demand…

Sovereign Wealth Fund: The Path towards Stability and Growth

Sovereign Wealth Fund: The Path towards Stability and Growth Ali Al-Tamimi This paper proposes policy alternatives, specifically the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund. This fund would reduce the dependence on oil as the main source of budget financing, stimulate the economy in the medium and long term, and diversify the economy by investing in neglected sectors such as industry and agriculture. Additionally, it would significantly reduce the use of public funds for political purposes…

Forests for Climate Change Mitigation: A Case Study of Basra

Forests for Climate Change Mitigation: A Case Study of Basra Murtada Al_Toblani This paper proposes a policy alternative in the form of a program called “Forests, Green Spaces, and Nature Reserves,” which involves planting extensive areas of land in various locations in the Basra Governorate. This program aims to reduce pollution, lower emissions, and positively impact community and mental health. The “Revive Mesopotamia” project, as part of this program, is based on nine objective steps…

Environmental Security Law as a Solution to Desertification Problem

Environmental Security Law as a Solution to Desertification Problem Mohammed Al-Hakeem This paper proposes a range of solutions, alternatives, and recommendations related to legal legislation or practical measures by relevant authorities in the fields of environment, climate, and agriculture. These measures aim to develop appropriate strategies and plans to overcome the impacts of climate change and reduce its adverse effects, including food scarcity and threats to water security in Iraq. Click here to get the…

Using the Mixed Electoral System to Ensure Party Balance and Increase Independent Candidates’ Chances

Using the Mixed Electoral System to Ensure Party Balance and Increase Independent Candidates’ Chances Ali Mubarak The paper highlights the drawbacks of each electoral system. The issue with the Modified Sainte-Laguë system and its modifications lies in the electoral threshold. In contrast, the multi-district system reduces choices for voters and decreases competition for candidates in smaller districts, limiting the opportunities for candidates with broader regional support,beyond just a specific electoral district. This system tends to…

Women Quotas an Assurance of Equality in Public Institutions

Women Quotas an Assurance of Equality in Public Institutions Saraj Ali This paper proposes several policy alternatives to address discrimination in Iraq’s public institutions, including a quota system, which involves setting a minimum percentage of women in leadership and administrative positions. This system has been implemented in many countries, such as Rwanda. Additionally, it suggests awareness and training programs aimed at increasing awareness about discrimination and providing training to employees on how to prevent…

The electoral environment and party work in Iraq: Challenges and Solutions

The electoral environment and party work in Iraq: Challenges and Solutions Dr. Abdul Aziz Aliwi Al-Essaoui An academic specializing in electoral affairs and democratic studies This paper aims to review the relationship between the electoral environment and party work in Iraq over the past two decades. It does so by presenting the reality of this relationship and clarifying the most important aspects through which the nature of the electoral environment in Iraq can be…

Restructuring Central Markets: A Necessity to Protect the Iraqi Market

Iraq has been facing an unstable economic situation due to its heavy reliance on oil in implementing its financial Iraq annual budgets. This reliance exposes its economy to periodic crises, necessitating the search for policy alternatives to alleviate these crises. Before 2003, Iraq had multiple institutions responsible for ensuring food security and economic stability, including the Ministry of Trade. This ministry managed Iraq’s domestic and international trade, distributed items for the ration card system, and…

Reducing Government Spending through E-Governance

Iraq is one of the countries that have yet to free themselves from the shackles of paper-based bureaucracy. Institutions in Iraq are still managed using traditional methods involving physical paperwork, handwritten signatures, and manual processes, which consume significant effort, time, and resources. The estimated expenditure on material supplies for government institutions in the 2023 budget is over 12 trillion dinars, which includes paper, ink, printing, stationery, and more. The use of Information and Communication Technology…

Air pollution in Basra Governorate: A Lethal Cancer Concern with Elusive Alternatives

raq is grappling with the effects of climate change and is situated at the heart of the global issue. It is one of the top five countries most vulnerable to these effects. Emissions from oil fields are among the major air pollutants in Iraq, releasing thousands of tons of pollutants annually, resulting in numerous health issues. Studies have indicated that around 2,000 residents of Basra suffer from cancer as a consequence of air pollution, highlighting…

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