Western Europe’s burgeoning Islamic population continues to spark concerns about Muslim assimilation and a cultural divide.

Iraq’s provincial elections provide signals about the maturity of the country’s political system, as well as highlight new power brokers in the provinces.

The division of Iraq’s oil wealth is an important obstacle to a power-sharing deal. At issue is whether revenues should be regionally or centrally controlled.

Experts warn there is slim hope to control this area given its long history of resisting intervention.

With a new government in place, security concerns will dominate the Iraqi leaders’ agenda. Reforming the country’s decrepit police force will be paramount if Iraq is to end its cycle of violence.