Iraq

The United States and Iraq are strategically tied through mutual interests related to the stability and security of the region. Iraq plays an important role in securing energy resources, combating extremist groups such as ISIS, and managing regional tensions. In the aftermath of the US invasion in 2003, Iraq continues to face significant challenges in attracting investment, improving governance and service delivery, balancing relations with its neighbors, and raising the quality of life of everyday Iraqis. A strong US-Iraqi relationship depends on continued cooperation on security, economic and regional affairs.

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

Report

Nov 3, 2022

Optimizing and aligning the US-Iraq relationship

By C. Anthony Pfaff

This report considers US-Iraq relations’ need for an approach that relies less on directly confronting corrupt and malign actors and more on creating better alternatives so that individuals and groups do not choose to engage in corrupt and malign activities in the first place.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Report

Sep 26, 2022

Amman-Baghdad-Cairo (ABC) Agreement: A new path for economic integration

By Racha Helwa, Barik Schuber, and Ibrahim Saif

Since 2019, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan have held multiple summit meetings to discuss trilateral agreements to formalize and deepen economic integration. By cooperating among themselves, the three countries can represent a united political and economic front. This report explores the potential benefits and pitfalls to avoid from the perspective of each country: Egypt, Jordan, Iraq.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

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

In the News

Aug 30, 2022

Kadhim quoted in Foreign Policy on Iraq’s political crisis

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Aug 29, 2022

Kadhim quoted in Newsweek on the protests in Baghdad

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Iraq

In the News

Aug 26, 2022

Kadhim quoted in Christian Science Monitor about the governmental turmoil in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Aug 11, 2022

Kadhim interviewed on Alhurra about Al-Sadr’s movements in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Iraq

In the News

Aug 7, 2022

Ozarab covered the Iraq and Iran Initiatives event on the political, economic, and cultural ties and irritants between Iran and Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Iran Iraq

In the News

Aug 3, 2022

Nasr in Reuters: Analysis: Crisis in Iraq tests its stability and Iran’s sway

By Atlantic Council

Iran Iraq

Event Recap

Aug 2, 2022

Iran and Iraq: The struggle for tenable relations

By Alexandra Kaiss and Mariah Smith

On July 25, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative and Future of Iran Initiative hosted a virtual event titled “Iran and Iraq: The struggle for tenable relations.”

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Experts

Events