Corruption is the lifeblood of politics in Iraq

This paper explains how Iraq’s current political system is predicated upon elite party rule that operates akin to a cartel. Using their control and dominance of state institutions these parties cooperate, despite being rivals, to extract wealth across every sector. Examples are given of how corruption to the tune of billions of dollars per year leads to direct and indirect harm to citizens, and the mechanisms used to facilitate and protect corruption. The paper also discusses the reforms necessary to tackle corruption effectively including legislation and empowering accountability institutions. The paper also recommends support for civil society efforts to target corruption multilaterally and hold state institutions and officials to account.