On October 2, 2019 the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted a roundtable featuring Iraqi National Security Advisor Falih Al-Fayyadh. Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative Director Kirsten Fontenrose moderated the discussion and Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Damon Wilson gave introductory remarks. The conversation touched on the efforts to integrate the Popular Mobilization Forces into the Iraqi military, the recent decision  to remove Lt. Gen. Abdel-Wahab al-Saadi from his leadership post in the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service and the protests that ensued, and US-Iran tensions and possibilities for Iraq to play a mediator role.

In midst of debate on integrating militias into Iraq’s military, Iran’s influence, violent protests & dismissal of key CT chief, #ACIraq hosts National Security Advisor @FalihAlfayyadh for wide-ranging discussion. #ACIraq aims to build US-Iraqi partnership with @DrAbbasKadhim pic.twitter.com/Xk7CMLGOKM

— Damon M. Wilson (@DamonMacWilson) October 2, 2019