Programs

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.

Top experts

Content

In the News

Nov 22, 2024

Panikoff, Fontenrose, Brahimi, and Dagres mentioned in Kurdistan 24 on high-level officials attending MEPS Forum 2024

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Nov 22, 2024

Panikoff mentioned in Kurdistan 24 on MEPS 2024 Forum kickoff in Duhok

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

In the News

Nov 8, 2024

Elliot Ackerman on Defense One Radio on the anniversary of the second battle of Fallujah

On November 7, Elliot Ackerman, non-resident senior fellow at Forward Defense, appeared on an episode of Defense One Radio to speak about the twentieth anniversary of the second battle of Fallujah and his experiences there.

Conflict Iraq

New Atlanticist

Nov 8, 2024

What the world thinks of Trump’s return to the US presidency

By Atlantic Council experts

From Ukraine to Australia, Sweden to Singapore, Atlantic Council experts examine how people in different countries view the decisive win by President-elect Donald Trump.

Australia Elections

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

In the News

Nov 4, 2024

Rich Outzen joins i24 news to discuss Iraq-Israel tensions

Conflict 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

Podcast

Sep 26, 2024

“Borrowed servants”? Private military companies and sadism in Abu Ghraib

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi is joined by international lawyer Katherine Gallagher to explore her litigation against a prominent PMC for war crimes at Abu Ghraib.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Sep 10, 2024

In the age of great power competition, the threat of another 9/11 still looms large

By Kristian Alexander

Unlike the early years of the Global War on Terror, threats today are more amorphous and more deeply embedded within local conflicts.

Afghanistan Conflict

MENASource

Sep 5, 2024

Iraq’s new family law amendment could potentially legalize child marriage—and fracture the country

By Nibras Basitkey

The Iraqi parliament recently proposed an amendment that could potentially legalize child marriage for girls as young as nine, thereby further restricting women's rights.

Civil Society Conflict

Experts

Events