On Monday, February 23rd at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative and Syria Project will host a public conversation with Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) on US policy toward Iraq and Syria at a moment of heightened regional complexity. 

Iraq and Syria continue to grapple with the long-term effects of conflict, economic strain, and institutional fragility, all while navigating evolving regional dynamics and the persistent threat of terrorism and militia violence. This conversation will examine the current state of Iraq-Syria relations, the structural and political barriers to bilateral cooperation, and what improved ties could mean for regional stability and prosperity. It will also explore how the United States and its partners are positioned to support diplomacy and economic connectivity between these two neighbors. 

New policy: In-person attendees will be required to show photo ID upon arrival, and no on-site registration will be permitted. Guests will not be admitted later than twenty minutes after the event’s start time. Registration for this event will close at 5:00 p.m. ET the day prior.

Please complete the form below to register for this event.

Opening Remarks

Victoria J. Taylor
Director, Iraq Initiative
Atlantic Council

Speakers

Rep. Joe Wilson
Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
US House of Representatives

Amb. Jon Wilks
Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project
Atlantic Council

Ibrahim Al-Assil
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project
Atlantic Council

Lahib Higel
Senior Analyst for Iraq
International Crisis Group

Agenda

3:00–3:05 p.m. | Opening remarks 

Featuring

Victoria J. Taylor
Director, Iraq Initiative
Atlantic Council

3:05–3:15 p.m. | Keynote remarks

Featuring

Rep. Joe Wilson
Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
US House of Representatives

3:15–3:50 p.m. | Iraq and Syria: Political, security, and economic intersections

Speakers

Rep. Joe Wilson
Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
US House of Representatives

Amb. Jon Wilks
Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project
Atlantic Council

Ibrahim Al-Assil
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project
Atlantic Council

Lahib Higel
Senior Analyst for Iraq
International Crisis Group

3:50–4:00 p.m. | Moderated Q&A

Submit your questions to AskAC.org

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The Iraq Initiative is driving policy-oriented programs and analysis that advance Iraq’s stability and sovereignty, regional integration, and democratic and economic development. It also aims to promote a strengthened US-Iraq partnership.

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