Featured commentary & analysis

Iraq Initiative

MENASource Jul 7, 2025

Unpacking Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court chaos

By Safwan al-Amin

Regardless of the reasons behind initial mass resignations, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Supreme Court is serious.
Iraq Middle East
Iraq Initiative

MENASource Jun 30, 2025

Balancing acts and breaking points: Iraq’s US-Iran dilemma

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The future of US–Iraq relations is neither as dim as it may first appear, nor as promising as one might hope.
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran
Iraq Initiative

MENASource Jun 4, 2025

Why Iraq should build bridges with its ‘new’ neighbor, Syria

By Shermine Serbest

Iraq’s position on the Syria transition is split between two camps: the official government, and that of the powerful non-state actors.
Iraq Middle East

Reports

Iraq Initiative

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
Iraq Initiative

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
Iraq Initiative

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
ALL in-depth research

Experts

Iraq Initiative Team 

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Abbas Kadhim

Resident Senior Fellow, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Iraq Middle East

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East

Fellow

Alina L. Romanowski

Distinguished Fellow

Iraq Initiative Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security

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

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Yerevan Saeed

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Experts

Fellow

Geoffrey Pyatt

Distinguished Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Jennifer Gavito

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic French

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Fellow

Daniel B. Shapiro

Distinguished Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Conflict English

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Kirsten Fontenrose

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Middle East National Security

Fellow

Arwa Damon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

events

Upcoming events

Public Event Thu, September 11, 2025 • 12:00 pm ET

US-Iraq security partnership after Operation Inherent Resolve

A discussion on the future of the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq and its implications for the United States, regional security, and the future of the US-Iraq partnership.
Iraq Security & Defense

Flagship events

Public Event Tue, October 15, 2024 • 9:00 am ET

The trajectory of Iraq’s recovery, development, and global partnerships

A conference exploring the key challenges and opportunities in advancing the Iraqi energy sector, efforts toward sustainable economic diversification, and the evolving trajectory of US-Iraqi relations.
Energy Markets & Governance Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Fri, April 19, 2024 • 2:30 pm ET

Iraq’s prime minister on building a stronger relationship with the United States

AN #ACFRONTPAGE EVENT—Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, the prime minister of Iraq, discusses his state visit to the United States.
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Thu, October 26, 2023 • 9:00 am ET

Balancing global engagement and domestic growth: Iraq’s future in an evolving landscape

A conference exploring the key challenges and opportunities confronting Iraq’s future generations, particularly Iraq’s rising role in the international arena and the dire impact of climate change on the country.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment Iraq Middle East

All events

Public Event Thu, July 24, 2025 • 1:00 pm ET

Eleven years on: The Yezidi genocide and the road to recovery
Civil Society Crisis Management Human Rights Iraq
Online Event Mon, May 1, 2023 • 9:00 am ET

20-year retrospective: Reflecting on the ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech and its aftermath
Conflict Democratic Transitions Iraq Middle East
Public Event Mon, April 24, 2023 • 3:00 pm ET

Reimagining a way forward: Iraq’s economy and energy sector in the post-invasion era
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
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MENASource

Aug 17, 2023

The path to transforming Iraqi Kurdistan’s economic diversity and potential

By Honar Issa

The self-sufficiency and sustainability of a government are contingent on a strong economy, and this is the path the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has taken.

Economy & Business Iraq

MENASource

Jun 16, 2023

How the international community can help Iraq on a path toward democratic stability

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

The international community should increase its financial support for civil-society organizations in Iraq, as these play an instrumental role in reconciling ethnic divisions while promoting democratic principles among younger people.

Civil Society Corruption
Dr. Azzam Alwash (right) speaking at a private roundtable event, alongside Iraq Initiative Director and moderator Dr. Abbas Kadhim (left).

Events

Jun 7, 2023

Private roundtable on Iraq with Dr. Azzam Alwash

By Atlantic Council

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.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

May 24, 2023

The US needs to be proactive in order to break its escalatory cycle with Iran

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Here we go again. On March 23, Iran-backed Iraqi militias launched a drone attack that killed an American contractor and wounded another, as well as twenty-four US military personnel. The attack feels very much like a repeat of the one in December 2019, which also killed a US contractor and led to an escalatory cycle, […]

Conflict Iran
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explore the center

Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

Learn more