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

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

Podcast

Jul 30, 2024

‘I was a Blackwater mercenary in Iraq’

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi is joined by former Blackwater contractor Morgan Lerette to reflect on Loretta's experience a private military contractor in Iraq.

Conflict Defense Industry

MENASource

Jul 24, 2024

Ten years on, Yezidi cases expose a lack of corporate accountability in US genocide law

By Charles Johnson

The Genocide Accountability Act remains poorly equipped to handle cases of genocide in general, let alone to prosecute corporations specifically.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Jul 16, 2024

What’s behind the Middle East’s doomsday fever?

By Sarah Zaaimi

Doomsday sects should be understood as a social phenomenon in the context of a collectively traumatized society.

Arabic English

MENASource

Jul 11, 2024

Investing in Iraq’s education will contribute to its revival

By Honar Issa

Investing in Iraq’s education system offers a unique opportunity for the United States to not only support a key ally but also address the root causes of instability in the region.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Jun 18, 2024

Zaaimi joins Leadership Connect to discuss tribal perspectives

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Jun 10, 2024

ISIS fell, but the conditions that created the terrorist group still exist in Iraq

By Abbas Kadhim

The pervasive culture of corruption and a poor economy have been among the leading conditions that contributed to the rise of ISIS in Iraq.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Experts