CANCELED—The future of Iraq-Syria relations

  • Mon, April 27, 2026 • 2:30 pm ET
  • Atlantic Council Headquarters
  • 1400 L Street NW • Floor 11
  • Washington, DC 20005

Representative Joe Wilson joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on the evolving dynamics of Iraq–Syria relations, examining political, security, and economic trends shaping bilateral engagement and their implications for regional stability and US policy.

We regret to inform you that this event has been canceled. Apologies for the inconvenience and thank you for your interest in Atlantic Council’s events.

On Monday, April 27 at 2:30 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. 

Welcome remarks

Victoria J. Taylor
Director, Iraq Initiative & Syria Project
Atlantic Council

keynote remarks

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

Speakers

Victoria J. Taylor
Director, Iraq Initiative & Syria Project
Atlantic Council

Ibrahim Al-Assil
Senior Research Fellow, Middle East Initiative, Belfer Center
Harvard Kennedy School

Hoshyar Zebari
Kurdish Politician,
Kurdistan Democratic Party

Moderator

Elizabeth Hagedorn
Diplomatic Correspondent,
Al-Monitor

Agenda

2:30–2:35 p.m. | Welcome remarks 

Featuring

Victoria J. Taylor
Director, Iraq Initiative & Syria Project
Atlantic Council

2:35–2:45 p.m. | Keynote remarks

Featuring

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

2:45–3:20 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

Victoria J. Taylor
Director, Iraq Initiative & Syria Project
Atlantic Council

Ibrahim Al-Assil
Senior Research Fellow, Middle East Initiative, Belfer Center
Harvard Kennedy School

Hoshyar Zebari
Kurdish Politician,
Kurdistan Democratic Party

Moderated by

Elizabeth Hagedorn
Diplomatic Correspondent,
Al-Monitor

 

3:20–3:30 p.m. | Moderated Q&A

Submit your questions to Jotto.

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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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