ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The annual Middle East Research Institute (MERI) will open Tuesday in Erbil, bringing together high-level officials, academics and diplomats to debate the critical issues now facing Iraq, the Kurdistan region, and the greater Middle East.
The MERI Forum 2015, titled “Sharing Visions for the Future of the Middle East,” will discuss the war against ISIS, the crises of displacement and demography, and the challenge of keeping restive Iraq as a united country. There will be discussions focused on the impacts of Iran's nuclear deal and the rule of law.
The conference aims to be an opportunity for decision makers and academies from Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)and the world, to exchange ideas on a range of economic, social and political issues.
Among the key speakers from Baghdad are Iraqi President Fuad Masum, Parliament Speaker Salim Al-Jubouri and Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid Yassin Al-Obeidi.
The KRG will be represented by Prime minister Nechirvan Barzani, fromer prime minister Barham Salih and Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister, among other senior political and military leaders.
Stuart Jones, the United States Ambassador to Iraq, is also scheduled to attend.
The international speakers include Sir John Jenkins, of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain, and Kenneth Pollack, of the US-based Brookings Institute, as well as Alireza Miryousefi, director for Middle East Studies, IPIS, Iran.
Dlawer Ala’Aldeen, president of MERI, will once again greet the audiences and serve as moderator.
The event kicks off with a first-day program that starts with “The Future of Kirkuk: A Roadmap for Resolving the Status of the Province and The Protection of Civilians." The day's second discussion is titled "The Application of International Humanitarian Law."
In all, the MERI Forum 2015 will be present eight discussions and conclude on Thursday.
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