GQR’s latest survey in Iraq shows that the country sees major improvements in its security and in relations between Arab Shia and Sunni. However, despite better security and positive views toward the country’s security forces, fears about the return of ISIS remain intense and strong throughout much of the country.
Iraqis also remain deeply concerned about corruption and unemployment, weighing down views of government performance, and emphasizing the challenge facing on the country’s new leaders. Any goodwill toward government from the improved security situation, will be short-lived unless it can show a strong commitment to tackling these difficult issues.
The survey also takes a closer look at gender in Iraq. While the demand for more and equal rights for women is strong, harassment and domestic violence are both widespread and tolerated. The research shows that Iraq is not necessarily on a path toward gender equality, but more at a pivot point, where more conservative voices and social pressure on women remain strong.
This is GQR’s 15th survey for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) since 2010. The research is conducted in cooperation with JPM Strategic Solutions and GQR’s local partner, IIACSS.
Read the full report here.