Upcoming events
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Past events
Roundtables
July 26, 2023
With H.E. Ambassador Nizar Al-Khairallah
On July 26, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted His Excellency Nizar Al-Khairallah, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United States of America for a private roundtable discussion about his agenda in Washington and broader Iraqi-US relations. Iraq Initiative Director Dr. Abbas Kadhim moderated the conversation.
May 18, 2023
With Dr. Azzam Alwash
On May 18, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted Dr. Azzam Alwash, Founder and CEO of Nature Iraq, for a private hybrid roundtable discussion on Iraq’s environmental crisis and future efforts to address climate change. Iraq Initiative Director Dr. Abbas Kadhim moderated the conversation.
February 11, 2020
With Iraqi MP Sarkwat Shamsulddin
On February 11, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted Iraqi MP Sarkawt Shamsulddin for a conversation on the formation of the new government, US-Iran tensions, and the ongoing pro-reform demonstrations in Iraq. Atlantic Council Iraq Initiative Director Dr. Abbas Kadhim moderated the discussion.
November 21, 2019
With KRG Head of Foreign Relations Department Safeen Dizayee
On November 21, the Iraq Initiative hosted a private roundtable with the head of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Department of Foreign Relations, Safeen Dizayee. Atlantic Council Nonresident Senior Fellow Thomas S. Warrick moderated the conversation, which touched on the ongoing protests in Iraq and their implications as well as the current status of Erbil-Baghdad relations and the impact of the recent instability in northeastern Syria. Atlantic Council Middle East Programs Director William F. Wechsler gave welcome remarks at the discussion.
October 2, 2019
With Iraqi National Security Adviser Falih Al-Fayyadh
Featuring Iraqi National Security Advisor Falih Al-Fayyadh, the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative Director Kirsten Fontenrose moderated the discussion and Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Damon Wilson gave introductory remarks. The conversation touched on the efforts to integrate the Popular Mobilization Forces into the Iraqi military, the recent decision to remove Lt. Gen. Abdel-Wahab al-Saadi from his leadership post in the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service and the protests that ensued, and possibilities for Iraq to play a mediator role amid US-Iran tensions.
July 19, 2019
With Al-Bayan Center
On July 19, the 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.
May 7, 2019
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.
The Iraq Initiative provides transatlantic and regional policy makers with unique perspectives and analysis on the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing Iraq as the country tries to build an inclusive political system, attract economic investment, and encourage a vibrant civil society.