Hayder Al Shakeri
@haydersh.bsky.social
Research Fellow @ChathamHouse @CH_MENAP. Cautiously optimistic 🇮🇶 @AUB_Lebanon @SOAS. All views are my own. 🇵🇸🇱🇧
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Iraq’s 2015 Political Parties Law was designed to regulate campaign financing & party ties to armed groups — but it’s never been enforced.
In The New Arab, @haydersh.bsky.social explains how this leaves Iraq’s democracy suspended between legality & impunity.
www.newarab.com/analysis/ove...
In The New Arab, @haydersh.bsky.social explains how this leaves Iraq’s democracy suspended between legality & impunity.
www.newarab.com/analysis/ove...
Oversight is optional: How Iraqi democracy is being hollowed out
The posters are new, the promises familiar, but the political parties law of 2015 sits idle, allowing money and militias to define who competes, and wins
www.newarab.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Iraq’s 2015 Political Parties Law was designed to regulate campaign financing & party ties to armed groups — but it’s never been enforced.
In The New Arab, @haydersh.bsky.social explains how this leaves Iraq’s democracy suspended between legality & impunity.
www.newarab.com/analysis/ove...
In The New Arab, @haydersh.bsky.social explains how this leaves Iraq’s democracy suspended between legality & impunity.
www.newarab.com/analysis/ove...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
In this @amwajmedia.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social explains how 4 years after Tishreen-linked MPs entered parliament, reform efforts have stalled. Structural and organisational barriers kept them sidelined, while entrenched elites continue to control the system.
amwaj.media/en/article/w...
amwaj.media/en/article/w...
Deep Dive: Iraq’s civic parties face uphill battle in upcoming elections
Once poised to dominate Iraq’s political future, figures and parties emerging from the October (Tishreen) 2019 protest movement now face widespread public apathy. These declining fortunes follow a pr...
amwaj.media
November 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
In this @amwajmedia.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social explains how 4 years after Tishreen-linked MPs entered parliament, reform efforts have stalled. Structural and organisational barriers kept them sidelined, while entrenched elites continue to control the system.
amwaj.media/en/article/w...
amwaj.media/en/article/w...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
A key factor in this election is the political and economic influence of armed groups, which have managed to retain their power as the state has yet to demonstrate full capacity or will to enforce broad disarmament, says @haydersh.bsky.social in @wsj.com.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Iraq’s Leader Seeks an Improbable Prize: Independence From the U.S. and Iran
Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is running for re-election Tuesday after managing to keep his country out of the region’s recent conflicts.
www.wsj.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
A key factor in this election is the political and economic influence of armed groups, which have managed to retain their power as the state has yet to demonstrate full capacity or will to enforce broad disarmament, says @haydersh.bsky.social in @wsj.com.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Informal cross-border trade has expanded significantly over the past decade [in Iraq] as sanctions on Iran have increasingly impacted everyday life, says @haydersh.bsky.social via @afpnews.bsky.social and Arab News.
www.arabnews.com/node/2596773...
www.arabnews.com/node/2596773...
Iraqi markets a haven for pedlars escaping Iran’s economic woes
Get the latest breaking news and headlines from the largest Arab News website. Get world news, sport news, business news, entertainment, lifestyle, video and photos.
www.arabnews.com
April 14, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Informal cross-border trade has expanded significantly over the past decade [in Iraq] as sanctions on Iran have increasingly impacted everyday life, says @haydersh.bsky.social via @afpnews.bsky.social and Arab News.
www.arabnews.com/node/2596773...
www.arabnews.com/node/2596773...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
📣 Announcing the 2025 #IraqInitiative Conference!
Join us on 1 October @chathamhouse.org & online for our 7th annual conference to explore how Iraq can secure more lasting stability and economic resilience in an era of regional and global uncertainty.
Join us on 1 October @chathamhouse.org & online for our 7th annual conference to explore how Iraq can secure more lasting stability and economic resilience in an era of regional and global uncertainty.
April 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
📣 Announcing the 2025 #IraqInitiative Conference!
Join us on 1 October @chathamhouse.org & online for our 7th annual conference to explore how Iraq can secure more lasting stability and economic resilience in an era of regional and global uncertainty.
Join us on 1 October @chathamhouse.org & online for our 7th annual conference to explore how Iraq can secure more lasting stability and economic resilience in an era of regional and global uncertainty.
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
'Rather than ushering in a new era of sustainability for Iraq... it appears that carbon credits will only align with a national policy of delaying & obstructing meaningful action on climate change,' writes @alktaif.bsky.social in a new Iraq Initiative article.
kalam.chathamhouse.org/articles/car...
kalam.chathamhouse.org/articles/car...
Carbon credits: another way to delay meaningful action on climate change in Iraq - Kalam
In February 2025, Iraq’s Ministry of Environment announced the first project to be launched by the Carbon Economics Company, a collaboration with the World
kalam.chathamhouse.org
March 28, 2025 at 2:52 PM
'Rather than ushering in a new era of sustainability for Iraq... it appears that carbon credits will only align with a national policy of delaying & obstructing meaningful action on climate change,' writes @alktaif.bsky.social in a new Iraq Initiative article.
kalam.chathamhouse.org/articles/car...
kalam.chathamhouse.org/articles/car...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Well that’s a headline I did not except to see. Ever.
March 18, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Well that’s a headline I did not except to see. Ever.
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
The Houthis are the one part of the Axis of Resistance that grew stronger in the last year. Airstrikes will not deter attacks on Red Sea shipping or influence Iran.
New US attacks on the Houthis will not bring Iran to the negotiating table – but could provoke worse violence
The Houthis are the one member of the Axis of Resistance that grew stronger over the last year. But airstrikes will not deter their attacks on Red Sea shipping or influence Tehran.
www.chathamhouse.org
March 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Houthis are the one part of the Axis of Resistance that grew stronger in the last year. Airstrikes will not deter attacks on Red Sea shipping or influence Iran.
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Check out our latest research paper exploring the adaptability of the 'Axis of Resistance' by examining its historical evolution, current dynamics, and policy responses, while presenting alternative approaches for engagement.
The setbacks faced by Iran's 'axis of resistance' in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria has led some policymakers to conclude that Iran and its allies are severely weakened.
New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.
New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.
The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’
How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures
www.chathamhouse.org
March 14, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Check out our latest research paper exploring the adaptability of the 'Axis of Resistance' by examining its historical evolution, current dynamics, and policy responses, while presenting alternative approaches for engagement.
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
📺 'Because of the relative stability in the last few years in Iraq, this project presents an opportunity to gain some autonomy and to gain some power.'
@renadmansour.bsky.social speaks to @wsj.com about Iraq's plans to construct an alternative to the Suez Canal ⤵️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OypN...
@renadmansour.bsky.social speaks to @wsj.com about Iraq's plans to construct an alternative to the Suez Canal ⤵️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OypN...
How Iraq’s $17B Megaproject Plans to Bypass the Suez Canal | WSJ Breaking Ground
YouTube video by The Wall Street Journal
www.youtube.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:35 PM
📺 'Because of the relative stability in the last few years in Iraq, this project presents an opportunity to gain some autonomy and to gain some power.'
@renadmansour.bsky.social speaks to @wsj.com about Iraq's plans to construct an alternative to the Suez Canal ⤵️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OypN...
@renadmansour.bsky.social speaks to @wsj.com about Iraq's plans to construct an alternative to the Suez Canal ⤵️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OypN...
Check out our latest research paper exploring the adaptability of the 'Axis of Resistance' by examining its historical evolution, current dynamics, and policy responses, while presenting alternative approaches for engagement.
The setbacks faced by Iran's 'axis of resistance' in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria has led some policymakers to conclude that Iran and its allies are severely weakened.
New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.
New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.
The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’
How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures
www.chathamhouse.org
March 14, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Check out our latest research paper exploring the adaptability of the 'Axis of Resistance' by examining its historical evolution, current dynamics, and policy responses, while presenting alternative approaches for engagement.
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
The setbacks faced by Iran's 'axis of resistance' in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria has led some policymakers to conclude that Iran and its allies are severely weakened.
New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.
New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.
The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’
How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures
www.chathamhouse.org
March 7, 2025 at 2:10 PM
The setbacks faced by Iran's 'axis of resistance' in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria has led some policymakers to conclude that Iran and its allies are severely weakened.
New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.
New research by @chmenap.bsky.social reveals Iran and its network is adapting to the new strategic landscape in the Middle East.
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Read the full research paper by @renadmansour.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social and @haidhaid22.bsky.social for an in-depth examination of the axis of resistance resiliance and the policy approaches needed to counter it. 9/9
www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...
www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...
The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’
How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures
www.chathamhouse.org
March 7, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Read the full research paper by @renadmansour.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social and @haidhaid22.bsky.social for an in-depth examination of the axis of resistance resiliance and the policy approaches needed to counter it. 9/9
www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...
www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
📢NEW PAPER by @chathamhouse.bsky.social XCEPT Research
'The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’: How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures' by @renadmansour.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social & @haidhaid22.bsky.social.🧵
www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...
'The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’: How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures' by @renadmansour.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social & @haidhaid22.bsky.social.🧵
www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...
The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’
How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures
www.chathamhouse.org
March 7, 2025 at 12:50 PM
📢NEW PAPER by @chathamhouse.bsky.social XCEPT Research
'The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’: How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures' by @renadmansour.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social & @haidhaid22.bsky.social.🧵
www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...
'The shape-shifting ‘axis of resistance’: How Iran and its networks adapt to external pressures' by @renadmansour.bsky.social, @haydersh.bsky.social & @haidhaid22.bsky.social.🧵
www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/shap...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Chatham House experts and researchers are available to follow on Bluesky.
Connect with them here and follow them for their latest analysis on international events and global trends.
⬇️
go.bsky.app/UKHXrog
Connect with them here and follow them for their latest analysis on international events and global trends.
⬇️
go.bsky.app/UKHXrog
March 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Chatham House experts and researchers are available to follow on Bluesky.
Connect with them here and follow them for their latest analysis on international events and global trends.
⬇️
go.bsky.app/UKHXrog
Connect with them here and follow them for their latest analysis on international events and global trends.
⬇️
go.bsky.app/UKHXrog
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
The removal of Assad disrupts a key channel for Iranian influence increasing Tehran’s reliance on Iraqi proxies. This intensifies Baghdad’s efforts to assert control over armed groups & prevent unchecked interference, @haydersh.bsky.social via @thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/analysis/ira...
www.newarab.com/analysis/ira...
Iraq and the new Syria: Navigating ties in the post-Assad era
Iraq has extremely high stakes in Syria as it seeks to adapt to the post-Assad era by balancing internal politics and external regional pressures.
www.newarab.com
March 6, 2025 at 10:32 AM
The removal of Assad disrupts a key channel for Iranian influence increasing Tehran’s reliance on Iraqi proxies. This intensifies Baghdad’s efforts to assert control over armed groups & prevent unchecked interference, @haydersh.bsky.social via @thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/analysis/ira...
www.newarab.com/analysis/ira...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
“By offering a relatively safe entry point into Iraq’s public debate, climate activism has become a gateway for broader civic engagement.”
Good read from @haydersh.bsky.social. Climate activism can help spur better governance in Iraq and the wider region.
www.chathamhouse.org/publications...
Good read from @haydersh.bsky.social. Climate activism can help spur better governance in Iraq and the wider region.
www.chathamhouse.org/publications...
Postcard from Baghdad: How climate activists are turning the ‘Tishreen dream’ green
The 2019 uprising ended violently, but young people’s fight for a better future carries on. Hayder Al Shakeri meets the activists adopting new tactics to tackle Iraq’s most pressing challenge yet.
www.chathamhouse.org
December 15, 2024 at 9:59 AM
“By offering a relatively safe entry point into Iraq’s public debate, climate activism has become a gateway for broader civic engagement.”
Good read from @haydersh.bsky.social. Climate activism can help spur better governance in Iraq and the wider region.
www.chathamhouse.org/publications...
Good read from @haydersh.bsky.social. Climate activism can help spur better governance in Iraq and the wider region.
www.chathamhouse.org/publications...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
My quick look at the momentous news from #Syria, for @newyorker.com www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
The Fall of Assad’s Syria
In the wake of President Bashar al-Assad’s remarkable abdication of power, jubilation and fear collide as the country—and the region—faces an uncertain future.
www.newyorker.com
December 8, 2024 at 9:01 PM
My quick look at the momentous news from #Syria, for @newyorker.com www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
There was no place more feared in Assad’s Syria than Sednaya Military Prison. By Sunday, the guards had fled, its doors were flung open and this fortress of terrified silence was alive with the sounds of parents and children calling out for their missing. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
As Syria’s notorious prisons empty, families search for the missing
Tens of thousands of Syrians disappeared into Assad’s network of brutal prisons. After his downfall, families are finally hoping for news of their loved ones.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 8, 2024 at 9:43 PM
There was no place more feared in Assad’s Syria than Sednaya Military Prison. By Sunday, the guards had fled, its doors were flung open and this fortress of terrified silence was alive with the sounds of parents and children calling out for their missing. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Interesting discussions at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.
Thanks to the International Institute for Strategic Studies and especially to the Young Leaders Programme for having me. #IISSMD24 #MDYoungLeaders
Thanks to the International Institute for Strategic Studies and especially to the Young Leaders Programme for having me. #IISSMD24 #MDYoungLeaders
December 8, 2024 at 9:49 PM
Interesting discussions at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.
Thanks to the International Institute for Strategic Studies and especially to the Young Leaders Programme for having me. #IISSMD24 #MDYoungLeaders
Thanks to the International Institute for Strategic Studies and especially to the Young Leaders Programme for having me. #IISSMD24 #MDYoungLeaders
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Iraq has appeared relatively stable under PM Sudani and the ruling SCF in recent years.
But that stability remains precarious, making the coming year pivotal for the country, @renadmansour.bsky.social writes.
But that stability remains precarious, making the coming year pivotal for the country, @renadmansour.bsky.social writes.
Iraq’s Newfound Stability Is About to Be Tested
Iraq has appeared relatively stable under PM Sudani and the ruling SCF in recent years. But that stability remains precarious.
www.worldpoliticsreview.com
December 4, 2024 at 8:58 PM
Iraq has appeared relatively stable under PM Sudani and the ruling SCF in recent years.
But that stability remains precarious, making the coming year pivotal for the country, @renadmansour.bsky.social writes.
But that stability remains precarious, making the coming year pivotal for the country, @renadmansour.bsky.social writes.
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Fascinating, innovative mapping of the relationship between supply chains & conflict in the Levant by Hayder El-Shakeri and Renad Mansour:
www.chathamhouse.org/2024/11/how-...
www.chathamhouse.org/2024/11/how-...
How supply chains fuel transnational conflict in the Middle East
Transnational conflict in the Middle East is fuelled by both ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ trade. Mapping these cross-border dynamics can help understand and address violent conflict.
www.chathamhouse.org
November 27, 2024 at 8:58 AM
Fascinating, innovative mapping of the relationship between supply chains & conflict in the Levant by Hayder El-Shakeri and Renad Mansour:
www.chathamhouse.org/2024/11/how-...
www.chathamhouse.org/2024/11/how-...
Reposted by Hayder Al Shakeri
Transnational conflict in the Middle East is fuelled by both ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ trade. Mapping these cross-border dynamics can help understand and address violent conflict.
How supply chains fuel transnational conflict in the Middle East
Transnational conflict in the Middle East is fuelled by both ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ trade. Mapping these cross-border dynamics can help understand and address violent conflict.
www.chathamhouse.org
November 20, 2024 at 4:55 PM
Transnational conflict in the Middle East is fuelled by both ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ trade. Mapping these cross-border dynamics can help understand and address violent conflict.
It was great to moderate a panel on the current situation of the Iraqi economy at the sixth #IraqInitiative Conference at @chathamhouse.bsky.social
November 26, 2024 at 3:59 PM
It was great to moderate a panel on the current situation of the Iraqi economy at the sixth #IraqInitiative Conference at @chathamhouse.bsky.social