This is the Final Report Processes in Contemporary Iraqi Kurdistan, led by Dr. John Hogan and Dr. John Trumpbour.

In embarking upon this research project, the aims and purposes were as follows:

a. To investigate the performance of the press and its relationship with other

actors within the political process responsible for the dissemination and

processing of information and debate.

b. To evaluate government press practices, public accountability and civic

responsibility in contemporary Iraqi Kurdistan.

c. To investigate how the role and performance of the press in contemporary

Iraqi Kurdistan is understood by the main stake-holders within society and

polity.

d. To compare the practices, development and understandings of the press

environment in Iraqi Kurdistan with environments in different national

settings.

e. To build on this data to provide:

i) Vital research evidence about the quality of press coverage and

its contribution to democratic discourse in contemporary Iraqi

Kurdistan.

ii) An action plan based on good practice for the benefit of the

Kurdistan Regional Government, policy makers, educators and

press representatives to strengthen the democratic role of the

press in Iraqi Kurdistan.

iii) Suggestions, where and if appropriate, for reforms and

initiatives in the fields of public policy, law and regulation to

strengthen the role of the Press in promoting democracy in Iraqi

Kurdistan.

iv) To be a catalyst for an ongoing public debate about the role of

the print media in society and the limits and possibilities of

legitimate journalism for the functioning of the nation and

democratic representation in Iraqi Kurdistan.