Un système en reconfiguration. L'émigration des Irakiens de la guerre du Golfe à la guerre d'Irak (1990-2003)

Abstract

Combining the findings of published sources and of original research, this article puts in relations a series of factors at the macro and meso levels to produce an evolving but coherent picture of the directions and stages of Iraqi exile migration, of the settlement patterns of migrants, and of their sociological profile at various stages of the migration process, starting from Iraq. The period covered extends from the 1990-1991 Gulf war to the fall of the Baathist regime in 2003. Attention is given to the political, economic and societal factors in Iraq that may be identified as the primary determinants of emigration. A second element of the system considered is that of the migration and asylum policies and practices in regional and distant countries of emigration. Finally, the meso level of social networks is taken into account.