Iraq Archives

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight

MENASource Nov 7, 2022

Iraq lacks strategy on many governance fronts. It’s never too late to rectify this unforgivable deficiency.

By Abbas Kadhim

Post-2003 Iraq has shown a gross lack of strategy on many governance fronts. It’s never too late to rectify this unforgivable deficiency.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource Aug 30, 2022

Experts react: Muqtada al-Sadr withdraws from politics. What’s next for Iraq amid a deep political rupture?

By Abbas Kadhim, C. Anthony Pfaff, Barbara Slavin, Andrew L. Peek, Masoud Mostajabi

Atlantic Council experts react to the news of Muqtada aSadr’s resignation and offer their thoughts on how the international community will deal with the conflict moving forward.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource Jun 23, 2022

Iraq’s sandstorms are threatening life in the Fertile Crescent. It’s time the Iraqi government takes a stance.

By Muhammad Baqir Muhyedeen

The Iraqi government and population can take the necessary steps to protect their country from the changing climate and safeguard Iraq for future generations.

Energy & Environment Iraq

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.

EXPLORE THE Iraq INitiative

Top experts

Former staff

Kirsten Fontenrose

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Middle East National Security

Staff

Abbas Kadhim

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Iraq Middle East

Fellow

David Mack

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Staff

Masoud Mostajabi

Deputy Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment English

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Former fellow

Andrew L. Peek

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Defense Policy

Fellow

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Forward Defense Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Terrorism

Content

MENASource

Nov 22, 2023

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight

By Lizzie Porter

Iraq is witnessing part of the regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and Iraqi bases housing US troops are feeling that most forcefully.

Iran Iraq

Event Recap

Nov 21, 2023

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

By Diane Mohamed

The Iraq Initiative's second annual conference explored key challenges and opportunities confronting Iraq's future generations

Climate Change & Climate Action Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Nov 17, 2023

Iraq’s parliamentary speaker was removed. What’s next for the country?

By Abbas Kadhim

The current crisis dates back to May 2022, when Mohamed al-Halbousi removed one of his bloc’s members from parliament.

Elections Iraq

MENASource

Nov 15, 2023

I covered the battle against ISIS in Mosul. Gaza’s challenges will make it look like child’s play.

By Arwa Damon

If there is something to be drawn from those lessons, it is that what Israel is doing right now will secure anything but peace and stability.

Iraq Israel

MENASource

Nov 7, 2023

Iraq is at a crossroads. Will it choose its Shia militias or relations with the US?

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Iraq is facing a high-stakes balancing act that carries profound implications for its relations with the United States and regional stability.

Iraq Israel

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2023

A Marine’s view: What Israeli ground forces will face in Gaza

By John B. Barranco

A US Marine who fought in Baghdad, Ramadi, Fallujah, and Kandahar shares insights on the challenges facing Israeli ground forces as they try to destroy Hamas in Gaza.

Conflict Iraq

MENASource

Oct 20, 2023

The conflict in Gaza threatens Iraq’s stability, progress in US-Iraq relations

By C. Anthony Pfaff

After Israel responded to Hamas’s deadly October 7 attacks, Iraqis took to the streets in massive pro-Palestinian protests, burning Israeli flags and chanting anti-American slogans.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Oct 13, 2023

Katz in VOA (Kurdish): Iraq between the United States and Russia

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management International Norms

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

Experts

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Staff

Hezha Barzani

Assistant Director

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Education Human Rights

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Program Assistant

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Lesley Chavkin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

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Iraq lacks strategy on many governance fronts. It’s never too late to rectify this unforgivable deficiency.

Experts react: Muqtada al-Sadr withdraws from politics. What’s next for Iraq amid a deep political rupture?

Iraq’s sandstorms are threatening life in the Fertile Crescent. It’s time the Iraqi government takes a stance.

Programs

Top experts

Content

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight

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

Iraq’s parliamentary speaker was removed. What’s next for the country?

I covered the battle against ISIS in Mosul. Gaza’s challenges will make it look like child’s play.

Iraq is at a crossroads. Will it choose its Shia militias or relations with the US?

A Marine’s view: What Israeli ground forces will face in Gaza

The conflict in Gaza threatens Iraq’s stability, progress in US-Iraq relations

Katz in VOA (Kurdish): Iraq between the United States and Russia

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

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

Experts