Lahib Higel

Lahib Higel

Senior Analyst, Iraq

Crisis Group Role

As Crisis Group’s Senior Analyst for Iraq, Lahib Higel covers politics, governance, security and conflict in the country.

Professional Background

Lahib has worked in Iraq and the Kurdistan region in various capacities since 2013. Most recently she worked on mediation efforts in Iraq, Libya and Syria for the Dialogue Advisory Group (DAG). She has worked as a security adviser for the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) and conducted research for a wide range of organisations and institutions, including the EU, UNDP and Minority Rights Group (MRG), on topics such as displacement, security and politics in Iraq.

She holds an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and an MA in International Security from Sciences Po, Paris. 

Languages

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Swedish

In The News

15 Sep 2022
Installing a monarchy that wasn’t very popular and that was overthrown in 1958 was the ignition for the many problems that the modern Iraqi state has faced. AP

Lahib Higel

Senior Analyst, Iraq
17 Aug 2022
The reason we haven't seen much talk of the US in Iraq's political process is simply because they don't have much of a role, and they haven't wanted to. Middle East Eye

Lahib Higel

Senior Analyst, Iraq
4 Feb 2022
[Iraq is] already part of Saudi-Iran tensions and will forever be a part of them as long as they exist. Al Jazeera

Lahib Higel

Senior Analyst, Iraq
7 Oct 2021
[Shiite Muslim cleric] Sadr has been selling himself as a viable option, and a central one in Iraqi politics. Washington Post

Lahib Higel

Senior Analyst, Iraq
2 Jun 2021
Successive [Iraqi] governments since the military victory over ISIS have failed to integrate the PMF. It has become a force in itself, pursuing its own interests. Al Jazeera

Lahib Higel

Senior Analyst, Iraq
26 Feb 2021
Irrespective of its Iran policy, the U.S. should develop an Iraq policy. Iran-linked armed groups in Iraq do not only exist to react to U.S.-Iran tensions. Newsweek

Lahib Higel

Senior Analyst, Iraq

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