War in Iraq: environment of insecurity and international migration

Sirkeci, I

Abstract

This paper discusses possible relations between conflict and international migration, with specific reference to the most recent war in Iraq. Iraqi international migration trends are examined to ascertain the potential influence of war on migration. Conflict situations have been prevalent in Iraq for more than two decades, the roots of which can be traced back to 1979 when Saddam Hussein became the President of Iraq. Iraqi history, in the last quarter of a century, has been characterized by wars and post-war crises, which have subsequently triggered ethnic tensions. It is these ethnic tensions, I will argue, which facilitated international migration from Iraq. It is the overall instability associated with conflict which often leads increasing tensions among different ethnic groups, such as Kurds, Turkmen, Shiites, and Sunnis. Ethnic conflict situations can result in a general environment of insecurity, which may serve as an “opportunity frame work” for those already harbouring individual migration “plans”. It is western European countries which will be particularly influenced by these potential migration movements. During periods of conflict, Iraqis have established migration networks, and formed significantly sized immigrant communities in the West. It is these networks which will also serve as facilitating factors for the potential ethnic migration of some Iraqis.

Citation

Sirkeci, I. (2005). War in Iraq: environment of insecurity and international migration. International Migration, 43(4), 197-214. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2435.2005.00338.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Nov 8, 2005
• Publication Date: Nov 8, 2005
• Deposit Date: Nov 10, 2022
• Journal: International Migration
• Print ISSN: 0020-7985
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 197-214
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2435.2005.00338.x
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2435.2005.00338.x