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2021: A year in the Middle East

MENASource Dec 2, 2021

The failed assassination attempt on PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi is a reminder of Iraq’s deferred priorities

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi government correctly recognized that the response to this assault on democracy shouldn’t involve unconstitutional and extra-judicial means, as this would essentially be aiding the perpetrators—whoever they might be—in accomplishing what they failed to impose by violence.

Iraq Middle East
2021: A year in the Middle East

MENASource Nov 8, 2021

Experts React: Assassination attempt on Iraq’s prime minister

By Andrew L. Peek, Barbara Slavin, C. Anthony Pfaff, Thomas S. Warrick, Matthew Zais, Nathan Sales

Atlantic Council experts react to the news of the attack, assess the impact on Iraqi politics, and offer their analysis on how the international community may respond.
Iraq Middle East
2021: A year in the Middle East

IranSource Sep 22, 2021

Iran ‘won’ the war with Iraq but at a heavy price

By Barbara Slavin, Abbas Kadhim

More than four decades after the beginning of a dreadful war that shaped the lives and worldview of a generation, Iraq and Iran seem to have put the past behind them and moved to a new relationship. But the road ahead is not without landmines. The balance of power is too lopsided in Iran’s favor to allow for a healthy alliance and Iran’s continued estrangement from the US makes Baghdad’s balancing act even trickier. The Iranians may be enjoying their triumphant short-term position, but the long-term consequences could be calamitous.
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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.

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Abbas Kadhim

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

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C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

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David Mack

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Kirsten Fontenrose

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

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Thomas S. Warrick

Senior Advisor, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Forward Defense Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

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Andrew L. Peek

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Defense Policy

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Oula Kadhum

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Iraq

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Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

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John B. Barranco

Senior US Marine Corps Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Americas Iraq

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Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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Ben Connable

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Defense Policy

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Scott Cooper

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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Afghanistan Civil Society

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Matthew R. Crouch

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan China

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Borzou Daragahi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict
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Content

MENASource

Dec 17, 2021

2021: A year in the Middle East

By Holly Dagres

2021 was a year full of impactful elections, historic anniversaries, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

In the News

Dec 14, 2021

Ashford in Foreign Affairs: “If dictators fear Western interventions, nuclear development is an unfortunate yet likely outcome”

By Atlantic Council

On December 14, Ashford was featured in a Foreign Affairs “Ask the Experts” roundup on the future of nuclear proliferation. “Two factors seem likely to push proliferation in the near term. First, the balance of power is shifting toward a more multipolar world, in which it is likely that smaller states may feel more threatened […]

English Iraq
Sign reading "Vote Here Vote Aqui"

Issue Brief

Dec 9, 2021

Assumption #4: The United States should prioritize the promotion of democracy around the world over other key US objectives

By Mathew Burrows, Evan Cooper

Policymakers should take a triage approach with regard to democracy promotion, starting first and foremost with the state of democracy at home.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

In the News

Dec 2, 2021

Nasr’s opinion piece in Foreign Affairs: All Against All – The Sectarian Resurgence in the Post-American Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Extremism

MENASource

Dec 2, 2021

The failed assassination attempt on PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi is a reminder of Iraq’s deferred priorities

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi government correctly recognized that the response to this assault on democracy shouldn’t involve unconstitutional and extra-judicial means, as this would essentially be aiding the perpetrators—whoever they might be—in accomplishing what they failed to impose by violence.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Nov 17, 2021

Grieco in Parameters: “The US military no longer dominates the skies”

By Atlantic Council

On November 17, Grieco was featured in the US Army War College’s Quarterly, Parameters, in which she coauthored an article with Max Bremer on the concept of verticality when assessing threats to control of the air littoral. “This new and unprecedented littoral challenge to US air superiority calls for more than technological solutions. It requires […]

English Iraq

In the News

Nov 11, 2021

Kadhim and Slavin quoted in TRT World on the failed assassination attempt on President Mustafa al-Kadhimi

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Nov 8, 2021

Experts React: Assassination attempt on Iraq’s prime minister

By Andrew L. Peek, Barbara Slavin, C. Anthony Pfaff, Thomas S. Warrick, Matthew Zais, Nathan Sales

Atlantic Council experts react to the news of the attack, assess the impact on Iraqi politics, and offer their analysis on how the international community may respond.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Nov 8, 2021

Kadhim quoted in Deutsche Welle on the failed assassination attempt on President Mustafa al-Kadhimi

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Democratic Transitions

In the News

Nov 1, 2021

Kadhim quoted in Washington Report on Iraq’s Parliamentary Elections

By Atlantic Council

Elections Iraq
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