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.

How Legal Reforms in Iraq’s Personal Status Law Institutionalise Sectarianism and Threaten Women’s Rights

In this article, Hiyam Ali analyses the proposed amendments to Iraq's Personal Status Law that could institutionalize sectarianism and undermine women's rights.

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.

The Disintegration of the Middle East: Three Breaks that Changed History

Interview of Dr. Adel Bakawan - Article written by Katia Salamé Hardy for Revue Politique et Parlementaire.

Who we have met

Events

It’s Time to Think France

Adel Bakawan, Director of EISMENA, was invited to speak at an event hosted by It’s Time to Think France, cultural movement dedicated to promoting freedom of thought and critical thinking through inspiring voices and meaningful encounters. The discussion focused on geopolitics in the Middle East and North Africa, offering insights into the region’s shifting dynamics, current tensions, and future challenges. This event took place May 16th, 2026 in Paris, France

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.

Videos

EISMENA Interviews Farhad Khosrokhavar on His New Book “Iran, The End of Totalitarianisme?”

In this EISMENA interview, Lyna speaks with sociologist Farhad Khosrokhavar about his new book, Iran, la fin du totalitarisme?

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.

In The Media

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