The Iranian challenge to Arab foreign policy in Iraq

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iran’s control over Iraq has had a repulsive effect on the Gulf states. Faced with the ambitions of this major regional adversary, the Arab countries are changing their paradigm and are now trying to reconnect with Baghdad in an attempt to bring Iraq back into the Arab countries’ sphere of influence, notably through the influential Gulf Cooperation Council.

The legal and political dimensions of criminalizing normalization with Israel

In this research paper, Ibrahim Sadiq Malazada defines the historical dimensions of Iraqi-Israeli relations and delves into the ideological and religious enmity that exists between Arab states and Israel. These being the legal dimensions of the Baathist regime, followed by the 2003 constitution and the entry into force of a law criminalising relations with the state of Israel. Ibrahim Sadiq Malazada analyses simultaneously the reasons that have encouraged the adoption of this law, the international boycotts and the consequences of the latter. Lastly, this research paper delves into the relationship between the law, hatred and antisemitism in the Iraqi context.

Genocide as a state-building model in Iraq

Iraq, as a Middle Eastern nation-state, emerged following the First World War, similarly to Turkey, Iran and Syria. However, it has struggled to establish its foundations based on democratic principles and human rights, as well as a political system that promotes inclusive citizenship. Instead, these states have been characterized by ethnic identities from their inception, leading to discrimination among their citizens. Iraq, under King Faysal, was no exception as it was built on two principles, Arabism and Sunnism, resulting in significant discrimination based on religious and ethnic criteria.