Publication

27 Oct 2004

This report discusses whether the empowerment and strengthening of local governance is a possible way to hold Iraq together. The paper introduces the decentralization debate, reviews steps taken so far toward more decentralization and discusses issues related to the legitimacy of decentralized government, including growing Shiite power, the elections question and the clashing of different political cultures. The paper argues that strengthening government at the various local levels is presently the best way to protect the central government from rising centrifugal tendencies.

Download Arabic (PDF, 39 pages, 1003 KB)
English (PDF, 39 pages, 633 KB)
Author International Crisis Group
Series Crisis Group Middle East Reports
Issue 33
Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG)
Copyright © 2004 International Crisis Group (Crisis Group)
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