Content

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

Taylor quoted in The Washington Post on the release of a Wells Fargo banker in China

By Atlantic Council

China
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

Taylor quoted in American University article on the geopolitics of Kurdistan’s gas

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment
Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

Taylor quoted in the Kurdistan Chronicle on Kurdistan’s natural gas reserves

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment
Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

American University energy event mentioned in Shams TV on the Iraq electricity crisis

By Atlantic Council

Arabic
Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

LaHood quoted from Iraq Initiative event in Rudaw on the U.S.-Iraq security relationship

By Atlantic Council

Iraq
Politics & Diplomacy

Issue Brief

Aug 7, 2025

Regenerative farming in Iraq: Challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Despite the challenges and limitations in the current agricultural policies in Iraq, there are significant opportunities for policy intervention to promote regenerative agriculture.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Economy & Business
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and his Kurdish counterpart Masrour Barzani sign deal to restart northern oil exports in Baghdad, April 4, 2023.

Report

Jan 6, 2025

Kurdistan’s share of the 2024 Iraqi budget: More than meets the eye

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

How to account for the autonomous Iraqi region of Kurdistan has complicated budgeting in Baghdad in the past. The latest budget cycle may have addressed some of these problems—and may help reset Baghdad-Erbil relations.

Economy & Business
Iraq

Report

Nov 6, 2024

Iraq’s 2024 budget: Not what it appears when it first meets the eye

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

Iraq’s budget update seems straightforward but holds hidden complexities. A closer look uncovers discrepancies between appearances and realities, offering insights into Iraq’s fiscal strategy and the structural challenges shaping its economic future.

Economy & Business
Iraq

MENASource

Oct 2, 2024

After Operation Inherent Resolve: How to not mess up US-Iraq security relations again

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The importance of broadening US relations with Iraq beyond counter-terror operations cannot be overstated.

Conflict
Defense Policy

MENASource

Jul 16, 2024

What’s behind the Middle East’s doomsday fever?

By Sarah Zaaimi

Doomsday sects should be understood as a social phenomenon in the context of a collectively traumatized society.

Arabic
English
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Experts

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Jennifer Gavito

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business