"This groundbreaking volume offers a comprehensive look at the current state of Iraq's political economy in the aftermath of the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Frank R. Gunter describes the unique difficulties facing the modern Iraqi economy and provides detailed recommendations for...

1. Iraq's lost decades -- 2. Population and key macroeconomic variables -- 3. Health, poverty, education, and gender issues -- 4. Corruption -- 5. Political stability and economic development -- 6. Oil and gas -- 7. Agriculture and the public distribution system -- 8. Financial intermediation --...

Contents: Preface -- 1. Iraq's lost decades -- 2. Population and key macroeconomic variables -- 3. Health, poverty, education, and gender issues -- 4. Corruption -- 5. Preventing Al Qaeda 3.0 -- 6. Domestic and international politics -- 7. Oil and gas -- 8. Agriculture and the environment -- 9....

The Government of Iraq (GoI) and the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq have used microfinance institutions (MFIs) as part of their counterinsurgency campaign. This raises several questions. What role can MFIs play in counterinsurgency? Are the economic or civilian and military motivations for...