Property related processes - A comparativestudy regarding land legislation in Iraq

Abstract: To buy, subdivide and apply for a building permit regarding a property are three common property related processes. One way to improve a country's system is to compare it with another. The countries can then benefit from the outcome. Such comparisons are common in countries where laws and society are largely comparable to each other. In this study, the Swedish and the Iraqi systems are presented and then compared with each other. Sweden and Iraq differ from each other in many ways. Iraq has a larger and more densely inhabited population, a much lower standard of living and have been victims of dictatorship for over 50 years. The country can be described as divided with different conditions. Kurdistan in the north is a peaceful haven with great potential of development, while everyday life for people in other parts of the country consists of violence and misery. In the essay, I have explained how the two countries' legislative interpret the term "property". Among other things, the impact of religion and the possibility of joint properties are described. To make a comparison possible, where the term cannot be interpreted differently depending on the country, the study formed a viable common term. The Iraqi processes are less developed in comparison to the Swedish. The buying process in Iraq is a complex procedure where several instances have to give its approval, while the subdividing process seems rather simple. Shortcomings for the building permit process include the fact that the society in general is undeveloped. Things that are taken for granted in the western world, such as water and electricity cannot be taken for granted in the same way in Iraq. Another phenomenon that is not as widespread in Sweden is corruption. In Sweden regulations and bylaws are respected to most and bribery is not common, according to studies. In Iraq, almost everything is made easier, including the aforementioned processes, through a wide network of contacts and bribery. A priority is made, where bribes can lead to the processing time being reduced and employees are given an incentive to work harder and more efficiently.