As an American Academy of Religion–Luce Fellow in Religion and International Affairs at the United States Institute of Peace, Ann Wainscott, assistant professor of political science at Miami University, produced a report on “Engaging the Post-ISIS Iraqi Religious Landscape for Peace and Reconciliation.” The findings are based on interviews conducted with Iraqis, assessing who they perceived to be the most influential religious individuals, institutions, and ideas affecting reconciliation efforts in the country.

Religious actors in Iraq wield considerable influence, and Iraqis perceive them as playing an important role in moving the country toward peace. This report analyzes the influence of Iraq’s religious actors—who has it, why they have it, and how they exercise it—to illuminate their crucial role in supporting peace and reconciliation efforts and to help policymakers and practitioners understand how to engage them in efforts to advance peace.

Read the Report