“Dynasticism,” predation and the long history of the Iraqi civil war

The latest parliamentary elections in Iraq, followed by the painstakingly slow process of forming a new government, which is still ongoing, have done little to resolve the deep political crisis that has gripped the country for nearly two decades.

Iraqi Civil Wars: The Principle of All-out Vengeance

Vengeance is one of the most common forms of violence in weak or failed states. In the unique context of Iraq, the principle of vengeance is a recurring element that Myriam Benraad describes as the "guiding principle of successive civil wars”. However, vengeance as the primary dynamic of the violent process raging in the country has received only cursory attention. This research paper aims to reassert to the principle of vengeance in its central function. It acts as an infernal trap of ceaseless and increasingly cruel reprisals within the Iraqi civil wars.