About the program

The Atlantic Council is leading a long-term initiative on Iraq led by Dr. Abbas Kadhim. The Iraq Initiative seeks to provide US and European policymakers with unique perspectives from within Iraq as well as impartial, pragmatic policy recommendations. The Iraq Initiative addresses the current security challenges Iraq faces as well as identifies policies that will unlock Iraq’s potential to develop the drivers of any successful society: inclusive politics, economic development, and a vibrant civil society. It is critical that international conversation about Iraq moves from being solely focused on security and military engagement to broader policy issues such as attracting investment, improving governance and service delivery, and the country’s unique geopolitical role. The Iraq Initiative also works to develop relationships with Iraqi officials to bring them together with the right US and European policymakers and influencers to discuss how to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Experts

Advisory Committee

  • Ambassador Feisal al-Istrabadi, Founding Director, Center for the Study of the Middle East, Indiana University, Bloomington
  • Ambassador Rend al-Rahim, Former Iraqi Ambassador to the United States
  • Mr. Stephen J. Hadley, Former US National Security Advisor
  • Mr. Majid Jafar, CEO, Crescent Petroleum
  • Ambassador David Mack, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs
  • Ambassador Srood Najib, Former Head, Multilateral Department, Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Dr. Meghan O’Sullivan, Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice of International Affairs, Kennedy School, Harvard University
  • General David Petraeus, Chairman, KKR Global Institute
  • Ambassador Samir Sumaidaie, Former Iraqi Ambassador to the United States
  • Mr. Olin Wethington, Founder and Chairman, Wethington International LLC

Past events

Event Recap

Jun 26, 2019

Arab Barometer Polling Data Event

By Atlantic Council

On June 26, the Hariri Center, in collaboration with Arab Barometer, held a public event to release Arab Barometer’s latest public opinion survey data from Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. Following their presentation, Arab Barometer experts Mark Tessler and Kathrin Thomas joined Iraq Initiative Director Abbas Kadhim and Nonresident Senior Fellow Faysal Itani for a panel […]

Iraq Middle East
mickmulroy

Insights & Impact

Jun 1, 2019

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.

Iraq Middle East

Event Recap

Jul 19, 2019

Private virtual roundtable with Al-Bayan Center on US-Iraq relations

By Atlantic Council

On July 19, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted a roundtable with Al-Bayan Center, a think tank based in Baghdad. Iraq Initiative Director Dr. Abbas Kadhim moderated the conversation. The participants from Al-Bayan joined by videoconference.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

All content

IranSource

Jan 19, 2023

Netanyahu’s Iran policy is expected to fail—again

By Danny Citrinowicz  

The biggest problem that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has today is the fact that he will have a tough time rallying the Joe Biden administration.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Jan 11, 2023

Soccer players versus the IRGC. Who do the people of Iran choose?

By Arash Azizi

Iranians know who their national heroes are.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Jan 5, 2023

An Iran opposition coalition was long overdue. It’s an important step forward on the rocky road to change. 

By Ali Fathollah-Nejad

Such a coalition is an important step forward to grant the millions-strong Iranian diaspora a unified and, thus, more effective voice to push the international community.

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Dec 23, 2022

2022: A year in the Middle East

By Nour Alhajjeh and Madeline Hart 

2022 was a year full of unprecedented protests, groundbreaking state visits, historical elections, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

IranSource

Dec 22, 2022

I’m a former Syrian civil society activist. Syrians can’t tell Iranians how to win, but we can share lessons we learned the hard way.

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

Be the Iran you want to see.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Dec 21, 2022

Khamenei appears to be pushing for subtle reforms in Iran, but it’s all just a ruse

By Anonymous

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appears to be willing to risk the disintegration of Iran as long as he remains in power.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Dec 14, 2022

Iran’s protests intensify calls for Shia clerics to step back from politics

By Fardad

Even before the outbreak of nationwide protests following the beating death of Mahsa Jina Amini, voices within the seminaries have been calling for a reduction of the role of the clergy in political affairs.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia quoted in Reuters on protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia joins BBC to discuss protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia joins CNN to discuss protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East