Joost R. Hiltermann

Joost R. Hiltermann is deputy program director for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group.

Essays

Society

Iraq's Federalism Quandary

| 02.28.12

Iraq faces major questions about the power-sharing agreements between Baghdad and Iraq's various regions. A solution may require granting greater autonomy to the country's Kurds than to other regions.

Security

Spoils of Babylon

| 12.16.09

Kirkuk is about to bring Iraq back into civil war. The Obama administration is moving toward a settlement of this disputed region that will anger everyone.

Commentary

Politics

Baghdad and Erbil Battle for Iraq

| 08.17.12

What began as a squabble over oil has escalated. Before long, it will be a war over the country's future.

Security

Kirkuk in the Wake of the Withdrawal

| 11.30.11

As U.S. troops prepare to leave and regional dynamics shift, the Kurds seek new patrons—and perhaps new influence—in a post-America Iraq.

Society

Of Blood, Oil and Kurdistan

| 06.02.11

Why U.S. withdrawal may trigger an entirely new war in Iraq.

Politics

Ruling Baghdad

| 05.10.10

The new Iraqi government will be more of the same—which is probably good enough for America.

Politics

Kurdistan Election Decided

| 03.09.10

Kurdish voters presented a united front for Baghdad. But internal divisions are rife—and the region might soon devolve into political turmoil.