As a coalition of Peshmerga forces, Iraqi Security Forces and American forces continue to roll back ISIS militants in Mosul and beyond, numerous questions remain about the future of social and political contracts in Iraq. Though the impending victory in Mosul represents a new chapter for Iraq, with significance far beyond a devastating three year war, defeating ISIS does not end a crisis underpinned by distrust. How will displaced families, traumatized by genocide and violence, return to homes flattened by war? What political conditions are needed to prevent a resurgence of ISIS and inter-communal conflict? Can a political reckoning allow the Iraqi state to move forward? Kurdish political parties, meanwhile, have agreed to hold a referendum on independence this year - what are the regional implications?

Masrour Barzani is the Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and an important figure in the US-led Global Coalition. He will give insights on the anti-ISIL campaign; immediate and long-term political challenges in Iraq and the broader Middle East; and future relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq and the United States. Chancellor Barzani will also outline strategies to address Iraq's unending conflict.