Why Washington’s anti-PMF moves are testing the Iraq partnership

MENASource Oct 23, 2025

Why Washington’s anti-PMF moves are testing the Iraq partnership

By Mohammed A. Salih

The US campaign against the PMF groups will likely have significant implications for Iraq’s political process moving forward.
Iraq Middle East
Why Washington’s anti-PMF moves are testing the Iraq partnership

MENASource Oct 6, 2025

Can Iraq and Kuwait transform the Khor Abdullah waterway dispute into a regional diplomacy model?

By Rami Alkhafaji and Safwan Al-Amin

The dispute underscores the complexities of post-conflict border demarcation— and how legal disputes may multiply into geopolitical ones.
Iraq Maritime Security
Why Washington’s anti-PMF moves are testing the Iraq partnership

MENASource Sep 30, 2025

Is the Baghdad-Erbil oil deal a blueprint for settlement—or a stopgap? 

By Victoria J. Taylor , Yerevan Saeed

Whether the oil deal will be a tactical stopgap or a step towards permanent settlement will become known after the Iraq’s elections and the year’s end.
Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

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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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Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

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Arabic Democratic Transitions

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Content

MENASource

Oct 23, 2025

Why Washington’s anti-PMF moves are testing the Iraq partnership

By Mohammed A. Salih

The US campaign against the PMF groups will likely have significant implications for Iraq’s political process moving forward.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Oct 6, 2025

Can Iraq and Kuwait transform the Khor Abdullah waterway dispute into a regional diplomacy model?

By Rami Alkhafaji and Safwan Al-Amin

The dispute underscores the complexities of post-conflict border demarcation— and how legal disputes may multiply into geopolitical ones.

Iraq Maritime Security

MENASource

Sep 30, 2025

Is the Baghdad-Erbil oil deal a blueprint for settlement—or a stopgap? 

By Victoria J. Taylor , Yerevan Saeed

Whether the oil deal will be a tactical stopgap or a step towards permanent settlement will become known after the Iraq's elections and the year's end.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Ten questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq

By Atlantic Council experts

This new frontier in the US-Iraq relationship leaves many opportunities, challenges and unknowns. Our experts unpack it all.

Defense Policy Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Can Iraq’s partial crackdown on a powerful militia weaken Iran’s proxies?

By Akeel Abbas

The prime minister's willingness to face down Kataib Hezbollah is a rare and daring move.

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Sep 4, 2025

Dispatch from Basra: Glimpses of hope in Iraq’s forgotten south

By Jon Wilks

Basra is proving to be part of a broader trend: improved security and visible reconstruction, despite persistent corruption and dysfunction.

Iraq Middle East

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

MENASource

Jul 31, 2025

Beyond tariffs: Building a win-win relationship between the US and Iraq

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

Iraq is among the countries to face a 30 percent tariff starting August 1 on its exports to the United States.

Energy Markets & Governance Iraq

MENASource

Jul 24, 2025

An open wound, a fading light: Marking eleven years since the Yezidi genocide

By Pari Ibrahim and Murad Ismael

One consequence of the Middle East's shifting landscape has been an erosion of international attention on Yezidi issues.

Human Rights International Norms

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
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Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

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Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

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Matthew Zais

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

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Online Event Thu, October 30, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

What to expect in Iraq’s 2025 elections
Elections Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy