PN Member Ana Gomes MEP on Panel for Future of Iraq Meeting

Where is Iraq headed? Facing growing sectarian violence and tendencies

Brussels, 4 December 2013, 13h00-15h00 

Venue: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, EU Office, Rue du Taciturne 38, Brussels

According to the database Iraq Body Count more than 7800 civilians have been killed by violent attacks this year and many observers are pointing out that increasing violence from sectarian groups could pull the country into a civil war.

Based on a very complex and fragmented political landscape coupled with socio-economic challenges and a fragile security situation, the origins of escalating violence are mainly domestically driven. In addition, the Syrian conflict is fuelling fears of further destabilizing the country.

The roundtable aims at discussing how the growing sectarian violence and the divided political scene have impact on the country’s democratic transition, in particular on the parliamentary elections to be held in 2014, and how the international community and the EU could remain committed.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is very pleased to welcome as speakers Nada Al-Jubori, Member of the Iraqi Council, Abdul-Jabbar Ahmed Abdullah, Bagdad University,PN Member Ana Gomes MEP and Joost Hiltermann, International Crisis Group.

Program

12h00 Light lunch and registration

13h00 Welcome by Uwe Optenhögel, Head of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, EU Office

13h10 Inputs by Nada Al-Jubori, Member of the Iraqi Council and Foreign Affairs Committee, Abdul-Jabbar Ahmed Abdullah, Dean of the College of Political Sciences, Bagdad University Ana Gomes MEP and Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Joost Hiltermann, Chief Operating Officer, International Crisis Group

14h00 Q/A, Discussion, Moderated by Anja Wehler-Schoeck, Head of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Jordan and Iraq

15h00 End of discussion

Arabic-English interpretation will be provided.

Picture from Security & Defense Agenda.