Death of Islamic State leader was necessary, but there’s a better way to fight terrorism

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
Death of Islamic State leader was necessary, but there’s a better way to fight terrorism

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
Death of Islamic State leader was necessary, but there’s a better way to fight terrorism

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

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

Former staff

Masoud Mostajabi

Former 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

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Content

New Atlanticist

Feb 7, 2022

Death of Islamic State leader was necessary, but there’s a better way to fight terrorism

By Ben Connable

The Islamic State will probably continue to recover from its operational defeat in Syria and Iraq. It will take capacity building over generations to defeat them.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Feb 3, 2022

Iraq is forming a new government. But getting there will be complicated.

By Abbas Kadhim

Whatever the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, the prospects of the next Iraqi government will depend on the conditions of intra-Shia relations.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Jan 7, 2022

Preble in Vox: “I can’t point to anyone who was sanctioned for supporting the war”

By Atlantic Council

On January 7, Christopher Preble was quoted in a Vox article on the rehabilitation of the careers of those who served in the Trump administration. Preble made the point that many who were involved in the justification for going to war in Iraq were similarly able to secure jobs in Washington after their time in […]

English Iraq

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"

Assumptions Testing Series

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
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Experts

Fellow

Scott D. Berrier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Linda Lourie

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Artificial Intelligence Australia

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Staff

Hezha Barzani

Associate Director, empowerME Initiative

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Education Human Rights

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, empowerME

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
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