Program: <span>Iraq Initiative</span>

Program: Iraq Initiative

The Iraq Initiative provides transatlantic and regional policy makers with unique perspectives and analysis on the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing Iraq as the country tries to build an inclusive political system, attract economic investment, and encourage a vibrant civil society.

Content

MENASource

Aug 4, 2026

هل يتمكن الزيدي من فصل الدولة عن الطائفة؟

By Munqith Dagher

منقذ داغر ليس خافياً تأثير ما يجري في الجوار العراقي على السياسة والمجتمع والاقتصاد فيه. وعلى الرغم من ان التغيرات التي حصلت في المنطقة بعد أكتوبر 2023 انعكست على العراق بطريقة او بأخرى، الا ان التأثير الأكبر على سياسته سيظهر نتيجة تداعيات ما بعد 28 فبراير(شباط)2026 والتي تتكشف يوماً بعد الآخر. لقد أدى اغتيال السيد […]

Arabic Conflict

MENASource

Aug 3, 2026

Can al-Zaidi separate the sects from the state in Iraq?

By Munqith Dagher

The biggest challenge facing Iraq's prime minister is how to curb the role of sectarian institutions in shaping Iraq's state decisions.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Jul 31, 2026

US dollar shipments to Iraq are a molehill, not a mountain

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

The impact of the recent pause in US dollar shipments to Iraq is far less severe than many assume, because Iraq's economy has modernized.

Dollar Dominance Economy & Business

MENASource

Jul 27, 2026

Syria’s new parliament can build institutions and trust

By Nanar Hawach

The People's Assembly is not designed to check the presidency’s power, but it could help democratize the new political order.

Democratic Transitions Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Jul 11, 2026

Iraq’s new prime minister must sell Iraq to a skeptical Washington

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Ali al-Zaidi faces an administration that is prepared to walk away from the relationship if it is not satisfied that it delivers for the US.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

تفتت الفصائل المسلحة العراقية بعد تحول النظام الإيراني من الثيوقراطية الى الجنتوقراطية

By Munqith Dagher

كيف يؤثر تغيير القيادة في ايران على الميليشيات العراقية؟ د. منقذ داغر يبدو اننا بتنا ، بعد 28 فبراير 2026 ،امام نظام مختلف وظيفياً، بل وحتى هيكلياً عما عرفناه طوال السنوات السبعة وأربعين من عمر النظام الايراني. فقد اتسم نظام الحكم في ايران بنسخته الخمينية الأولى 1979-1989  بأحادية قطبية لا مكان فيها سوى للمرشد الأعلى(الخميني). […]

Arabic Conflict

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

Iraq’s militias are fracturing as Iran turns from theocracy to juntocracy

By Munqith Dagher

Iraq’s militias face a spiritual and organizational dilemma that gravely endangers their existence, in the wake of Iran's leadership change.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 26, 2026

As Iran attacks, the US should provide air defense for Iraqi Kurdistan

By Yerevan Saeed

Washington faces a choice: Continue to defer to Baghdad’s procedural objections while Iran conducts unimpeded strikes on Kurdish territory or acknowledge the strategic reality and take decisive action.

Conflict Crisis Management

Dispatches

Mar 6, 2026

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain the goals of the various Kurdish groups the United States is reportedly backing for an attack against Iran and how their involvement could impact the wider war.

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

Jan 26, 2026

In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

By Sardar Aziz and Mohammed A. Salih

As China seeks new markets abroad and energy security at home, Iraq has become integral to Beijing’s plans in the Middle East. Baghdad finds itself caught between its security needs, for which it depends on the United States, and the economic needs of its growing population.

China Energy Markets & Governance
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Experts

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business
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