influence in Iraq’s sectarian system

The 2024 census results could lead to further tensions between Baghdad and the Kurdish leaders who fear a loss of influence in Iraq’s sectarian system (which was imposed by the U.S.), while constitutional disputesbetween Baghdad and Erbil remain unresolved. To top it all off, Iraq is highly vulnerable to climate change; dealing with water scarcity, droughts and increased temperatures, which impact agriculture and urban living conditions, will tax the government’s abilities and funds. Iraqi governments have not prioritized efforts to improve water management, rebuild water infrastructure and modernize the agricultural sector, and have instead blamed climate change on Iran and Turkey for upstream damming of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The water flow of these rivers is down 30 percent since the 1980s and may further shrink by up to 50 percent before 2030. This degradation of natural resources threatens food security and could lead to displacement of rural people to urban centers in search of work, and may cause social unrest if the unemployment rate climbs above the current 15.5 percent (though it is probably higher for the youth). สล็อต