Program: Iraq Initiative

How to counter Iran’s proxies

By Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff

Solutions will emphasize political efforts to continue to isolate Iran from the international community, make dependence on Iranian support less attractive to its proxies, and cultivate partners who can provide the kind of good governance and responsible behavior that serve as a more attractive model than Iran’s divisive practices.

Private Roundtable on Iraq with DASD Mick Mulroy

On May 7, the Iraq Initiative hosted Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Michael “Mick” Mulroy for a private, off-the-record discussion on Iraq. Middle East Programs Director William F. Wechsler moderated the conversation.

Private Roundtable on Iraq with DASD Mick Mulroy

By Atlantic Council

On May 7, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted US Department of Defense Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Michael “Mick” Mulroy for a private, off-the-record discussion on Iraq. Atlantic Council Middle East Programs Director and Rafik Hariri Center Director William F. Wechsler moderated the conversation.

Roundtable with Iraqi Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi

By Atlantic Council

On March 28, 2019, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted a private roundtable with Mr. Mohammed al-Halbousi, Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq. Atlantic Council Board Director General David Petraeus moderated the conversation. Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Damon Wilson gave opening remarks. 

Nearly one hundred days in, how is Iraq’s new government performing?

By Dr. Abbas Kadhim

Spending the last two weeks of 2018 in Iraq offered a window into Iraqi politics, the economy, and how Iraqis are coping on a variety of issues.

One year post-ISIS: Iraq is on the right path, but must take further steps

By Abbas Kadhim

On December 10, 2017, former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory in the battle to liberate Iraqi territories from the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The Iraqi Army, Special Forces, and Federal Police, supported by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMFs) and the Peshmerga, fought for every inch of territory that was occupied by the terrorist group. Iraq was not alone in this fight. An international coalition, led by the United States, offered significant military help in the form of air support, logistics, and invaluable advisory assistance on the ground.

Beyond security: Stabilization, governance, and socioeconomic challenges in Iraq

By Dr. Harith Hasan

As unrest over the Iraqi government’s failure to provide essential services grips southern Iraq, the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East is offering insight and analysis beyond the headlines. In a new issue brief, Beyond Security: Stabilization, Governance, and Socioeconomic Challenges in Iraq, Dr. Harith Hasan explores the ways in which economic and social […]

An advance look at Iraq’s 2018 elections

By Rend Al-Rahim

Iraq’s 2018 parliamentary elections, simultaneously embodying continuity and change, will be held in a particularly divisive atmosphere. The elections are taking place in the shadow of the devastation left behind by the conflict with ISIS and serious splits within the governing Shia party. As a result, voting on May 12 will be a litmus test […]