Dr. Ali Taher Al-Hammood, Managing Director of Al-Bayan Center for Studies and Planning, accompanied by a delegation of directors from Iraqi think tanks, conducted a series of meetings in the United Kingdom. The visit was made at the invitation of Iraq’s Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Mohammed Jaafar Baqir Al-Sadr, and included engagements with key Iraqi and British institutions and figures in London.
The delegation met with Ambassador Al-Sadr at his residence, where discussions focused on the role of think tanks in supporting Iraq’s political process, advancing reforms, and shaping public policies.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured the Middle East Center at the London School of Economics (LSE), where they were briefed by Mr. Michael Masno, Director of the Middle East Department. He outlined the center’s projects in Iraq, which cover topics such as environmental issues, democracy, peace, and power-sharing.
Dr. Al-Hammood also spoke at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in a session titled “The Iraqi Political Situation Before the 2025 Elections.” He highlighted Iraq’s key political achievements that contribute to regional stability while addressing major challenges, including economic conditions, regional and international pressures, governance issues, the proliferation of uncontrolled weapons, and corruption.
The delegation participated in a symposium at the Cultural Center in London, titled “Two Decades of Change in Iraq: A View from the Inside and Outside.” The discussion centered on the role of the Iraqi diaspora and its engagement with developments inside the country.
During a visit to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the delegation examined Iraq’s strategic importance in regional stability and explored opportunities for cooperation in monitoring and combating extremism and terrorism.
The delegation also visited the British Parliament, where they gained insights into how think tanks collaborate with the legislative body. Mr. Ali Al-Shalji, legal advisor to the Speaker of the British House of Commons, provided an overview of this relationship.
At the British Museum, the delegation met with Dr. Paul Collins, Head of the Middle East Department, who provided an overview of Iraqi antiquities in the museum’s collection and discussed potential areas of cooperation between Iraq and the institution.
The visit included a stop at the British Library, where the delegation reviewed Iraqi manuscripts and historical documents, exploring ways to enhance access for Iraqi researchers conducting academic studies.
The delegation concluded their visit by participating in a dialogue session at the Imam Al-Khoei Charitable Foundation, where Dr. Laith Kubba delivered a lecture on the challenges facing Iraq’s political system.
