Islamic State militants thrive in large security gaps across northern Iraq, moving freely among villages, shopping for supplies, and using threats to enforce compliance.
Security
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The government cannot control large swaths of territory, as Islamic State insurgents solidify footholds and launch attacks targeting security forces and energy infrastructure.
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The 2018 draft budget allocates a tiny fraction of the funding needed to rebuild from the IS war; for the rest, Iraq is seeking international donations and investment.
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With rival armed forces massed near strategically important oil assets, federal and KRG negotiators are at an impasse.
