Analysis Societal Challenges for Iraq’s Lived Reality: Policy Perspectives Dr. Ahmed Qasim Meften July 2020 Societal challenges are mounting in Iraq due to years of foreign and domestic wars, lack of political and economic stability, and declining oil prices. No significant and effective structural reforms have been carried out over the past two decades, and corruption and cronyism are widespread within the institutions of a state whose administration relies on the principle of political quotas for influential party forces. This study seeks to shed light on the main societal challenges plaguing Iraq in the current phase and to identify the forms and patterns they take. It examines the resulting or expected consequences and implications arising from these challenges in order to dissect and analyze them. In addition, the study explores ways to confront the challenges through policy proposals and recommendations.  1