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MENASource

Sep 29, 2020

Does the United States need an embassy in Baghdad?

By David Mack

Iraq remains a country of great importance to the United States and it would be foolish to deprive Washington of a tool for assessing and hopefully influencing conditions in Iraq.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Sep 15, 2020

Sistani’s roadmap to the renewal of political legitimacy in Iraq

By Abbas Kadhim

While his statement can be interpreted as a form of support for the current Iraqi government, this support is not unconditional.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Aug 2, 2020

Mack in The National: Thirty years on from the invasion of Kuwait, what have we learnt?
Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 29, 2020

Iraq Initiative featured in The New York Times Magazine
Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Jul 23, 2020

Iranian foreign minister’s visit aggravates Iraqi-Saudi rapprochement

By Abbas Kadhim

All the details were carefully planned for Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s first foreign tour since taking office. Saudi Arabia, strongly supported by the United States, was selected as the first destination for the untested Iraqi leader, who is facing insurmountable challenges on the home front. Kadhimi is eagerly looking for quick accomplishments to build […]

Economy & Business Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 9, 2020

US-Iraq strategic talks not just about security issues, says Iraqi former foreign minister

By Larry Luxner

Mohamed Ali Alhakim said the upcoming process is a necessary, long-planned step in ongoing bilateral ties between Baghdad and Washington. But he took pains to call the process a dialogue involving the US government and the sovereign state of Iraq, one which will define the Pentagon’s future presence in Iraq as well as non-military aspects of the relationship including education, energy, culture, trade, and foreign investment.

Conflict Coronavirus

MENASource

May 13, 2020

Iraq’s new prime minister must manage expectations

By Rend Al-Rahim

There is one that Mustafa al-Kadhimi must be the most cautious in tackling—the management of expectations.

Iraq Middle East

New Atlanticist

May 7, 2020

After months of gridlock, Iraq gets a new government

By Atlantic Council

Iraq’s months-long quest to form a national government reached a major milestone on May 6 when a partial government under new prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was approved by lawmakers. Al-Kadhimi—who previously served as Iraq’s national intelligence chief—was nominated by Iraqi President Barham Salih on April 9 after two previous nominees failed to form a government. Although fifteen of the major cabinet posts were approved by the parliament, several others have not yet been confirmed—including foreign affairs, justice, oil, agriculture, and trade—due to failure to reach an agreement between major parties on their allocation.

Democratic Transitions Iraq

MENASource

May 7, 2020

New Iraqi government must face a pandemic and oil price drop

By Abbas Kadhim

The formation of a fully authorized government provides a chance for Iraq to address its most pressing twin crises.

Coronavirus Iraq

Issue briefs and reports

Apr 27, 2020

The future of US-Iraq relations

By C. Anthony Pfaff

This Atlantic Council Iraq Initiative report by Nonresident Senior Fellow Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff analyzes the current challenges in the US-Iraq relationship and presents policy recommendations.

Iraq Middle East
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Experts

Staff

Abbas Kadhim

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Iraq Middle East

Fellow

David Mack

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Nonresident Fellow

Iraq Initiative

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business