Mehiyar Kathem is Research Associate and Nahrein Network Coordinator at UCL. His role includes supporting the Nahrein Network team to develop partnerships and communication with Iraqi Government institutions, domestic NGOs and academics. Dr Kathem completed a PhD at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) where he researched peacebuilding interventions and the formation of Iraq’s domestic NGO sector after the 2003 War. His research interests include statebuilding, civil society peacebuilding and the ways in which development, politics and money interact at a local level. He blogs at www.mehiyar.com