European Institute for Studies on
the Middle East and North Africa

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Research & Analysis

Conference Summary

The conference builds on an EISMENA report funded by Vision Education examining women’s living conditions in Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. It highlights both the challenges women face and their progress since 2003 in areas like empowerment, civil society, legislation, economic opportunities, and security. The conference aims to promote dialogue and strengthen women’s roles and rights in both regions.

Analysis

Beyond the İmamoğlu Case : A Reconfiguration of Municipal Power in Turkey

The arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, has monopolized attention. Yet, it is merely the tip of the iceberg of a much broader phenomenon : since March 2024, twenty opposition mayors have been imprisoned, and fifty-six have defected to the ruling party.

A Union without a War and Without a Conscience

Article written by our correspondent in Iran.

Who we have met

Events

Annual Paris Book Festival

Dr. Adel Bakawan and the team were invited to the annual Book Festival. The objective was to meet avid readers and exchange on the topic of his book while giving autographs.  This event took place on April 17th, 2026,  in Paris, France.

Seminar on Iraq

Dr. Adel Bakawan was the guest speaker at a conference organized by Chrétien d’Orient on the ongoing dynamics of the Iraqi contemporary landscape since the war in Iran. He was able to answer questions of the participants. This event took place on April 10th, 2026, online, Paris, France.

Sciences Po Paris

Dr. Adel Bakawan was invited to this event to talk about the Kurds in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. He was able to talk about their history and the ongoing geopolitical and political landscape, to understand the current dynamics. The event took place on April 9th, 2026, in Paris, France.

Videos

Jamil Sayah on Morocco and Why the Monarchy’s Political Cosmetics Are Cracking?

In this interview for EISMENA, Lyna speaks with Jamil Sayah (Science PO Grenoble) about Morocco’s youth protests and the growing cracks behind the monarchy’s carefully maintained image of political stability.

Rina Bassist | Israeli Civil Society Since October 7: War, Polarization, and Democratic Erosion

In this interview for EISMENA, Lyna speaks with journalist and former diplomat Rina Bassist about the transformation of Israeli civil society since October 7.

Iran: Uprisings, Repression, and the Information War, with Sepideh Farsi

In this interview, Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi reflects on the long history of protest in Iran, from the women’s demonstrations of 1979 to the most recent nationwide uprisings. She discusses state repression, internet shutdowns, media distortion, foreign intervention, and the political narratives that shape how Iran is seen from the outside. A sharp, necessary conversation on protest, memory, and truth.

In The Media

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