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.

Iraq Initiative event with H.E, Ali Allawi, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister mentioned in S&P Global

Dispatches Dec 10, 2025

Dispatch from Iraq: The biggest challenge awaiting the country’s next prime minister

By Victoria J. Taylor 

A recent visit to Iraq following parliamentary elections reveals a growing divide between the political elite and the people.
Elections Iraq
Iraq Initiative event with H.E, Ali Allawi, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister mentioned in S&P Global

New Atlanticist Nov 14, 2025

Experts react: How will Iraq’s parliamentary election shape the country’s politics?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts examine what the results of Tuesday’s elections mean for the future of Iraqi politics and Baghdad’s regional role.
Civil Society Democratic Transitions
Iraq Initiative event with H.E, Ali Allawi, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister mentioned in S&P Global

Dispatches Nov 10, 2025

Dispatch from Baghdad: Don’t confuse the calm around Iraq’s election with stability

By Yerevan Saeed

Iraqi society faces several slow-burning stressors, from water and climate problems to over-centralization and narcotics trafficking.
Democratic Transitions Elections

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

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East

Fellow

Alina L. Romanowski

Distinguished Fellow

Iraq Initiative Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Yerevan Saeed

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Fellow

Jennifer Gavito

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Content

In the News

Apr 20, 2022

Iraq Initiative event with H.E, Ali Allawi, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister mentioned in S&P Global

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Mezran quoted in Formiche on constitutional change and political reforms across the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Elections

In the News

Feb 25, 2022

Tabaqchali quoted in The National on Iraq’s fragile food system as Ukraine crisis halts wheat imports

By Atlantic Council

Climate Change & Climate Action Conflict

In the News

Feb 24, 2022

Wechsler and Pfaff quoted in Forbes on Iraq’s increasing involvement in militant attacks in the region

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control Conflict

In the News

Feb 23, 2022

Kadhim joins Alhurra Iraq to discuss Iraq’s economy and developing foreign policy in the region

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 22, 2022

Connable in Lawfare: Building Iraqi Army Will to Fight to Prevent Another Disaster

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 15, 2022

Kadhim quoted in Al-Monitor on Iraq-Iran relations and sectarian parties in Iraq’s government

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

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
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

John B. Barranco

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Americas Iraq
Load More

Events

Public Event Mon, April 20, 2026 • 2:30 pm ET

The future of Iraq-Syria relations
Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Syria
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy