Ala'Aldeen is the Founding President[REF] of the Middle East Research Institute ( MERI), an independent, non-profit think tank which is focused on policy-issues and governance reform in Iraq and Kurdistan Region.
MERI has conducted numerous research projects on Internally Displace persons (IDPs), conflict resolution (e.g. the future of Kirkuk), promoting human rights (protecting minority's rights, prevention of violence against women prevention of violence against women) and institutional reform (Judiciary system, public prosecution, interior ministry and Ministry of Peshmarga).