Publication

This paper argues that the so-called Islamic State is defeated in Iraq, and its genocidal campaign against the Yazidi Kurdish religious minority in Sinjar is now over. However, much of the Sinjar’s mostly Yazidi population and its administration remains displaced. Further, trade is at a trickle and reconstruction has stalled. So how should Baghdad respond? The text’s authors suggest that the government’s weakness may compel it to channel reconstruction funds through Shiite militias and Yazidi proxies. However, this move would be a mistake, as it would entrench non-state groups, compromise the Iraqi state and more. Instead, Baghdad should focus on offsetting the influence of militias and restoring local governance.