Here at EPIC, we have been exploring tools and techniques for forwarding our mission in Iraq.  We are particularly excited about a technique called photovoice because of its power, simplicity, and participatory nature.  We thought we’d share some of our excitement with you, to keep you updated on what we’re working on.

Drawing inspiration from participatory education, critical theories, and their own field experience, social scientists Caroline Wang and Mary Ann Burris developed a technique for understanding community needs through photography.  This method, called photovoice, addressed a major complaint in the social sciences: what researchers THINK people need isn’t always what they ACTUALLY need.

Read more

Iraq is in a state of transition from war to peace, from occupation to independence, from an old to a new identity. As Iraqis face this transitional stage in their history, they have an opportunity to reflect on both the past and the future. TEDx Baghdad, an event initiated by Yahay AlAbdeli, acts as a mirror for the Iraqi people, where Iraqi viewers witness their peers discussing relevant topics on Iraq and see a reflection of themselves and where the country is going. TEDx acts as an intermediary between rhetoric and action. The structure of the talks—often beginning with an idea and ending with a plan of action—provides the country with a model to orient itself to a path of security and harmony.

Read more

As the Euro Cup draws attention from the soccer-loving world (read: everyone but the US), another lesser-known competition has just ended. Iraqi Kurdistan beat out Northern Cyprus in the VIVA World Cup. What’s that? You didn’t catch the game? I’ll be honest, I didn’t either. The games were held in Erbil, and though it was the largest contest in VIVA’s six year history, it only featured nine teams. What brought these teams together? Only sub-state nations unrecognized by FIFA are invited to join VIVA (which is always capitalized, though unlike FIFA it is not an acronym). VIVA raises interesting questions about the role non-state actors play on the international stage.

Read more

It is fitting that my first day at EPIC would be the Tuesday after Memorial Day.  Aside from pools opening, mass exoduses to the beach, and delicious cookouts, we are called upon to remember and honor those who have served our country in an effort to maintain peace.

As I’m getting my bearings around our office, and seeing how EPIC’s mission is put into practice, I find myself considering the situation of peace in Iraq.  Is the absence of violence the peace that we hope for? Or are we seeking to achieve a peace characterized by harmony and a robust civil society?  This second option is more in line with my thoughts on what peace really is, the kind of peace that people write songs about—the harmonious living and interactions of people in a country that was once divided by conflict. 

Read more