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

Issue Brief

Jul 28, 2021

The security of defense trade with allies: Enhancing contact, contracts, and control in supply chains

By James Hasik

The COVID-19 pandemic and a wave of "Buy American" policies have cast doubt on the ability of foreign suppliers to provide crucial defense goods and services to the US Department of Defense in times of crisis or conflict. Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow James Hasik recommends the expansion of security of supply agreements (among other measures) to fully leverage the defense-industrial bases of US allies and partners and best support US security priorities.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 27, 2021

Slavin quoted in VOA Russia on the withdrawal of American troops in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fast Thinking

Jul 26, 2021

FAST THINKING: Is the Iraq War over… again?

By Atlantic Council

As the US military formally transitions to an advisory role with Iraqi forces, what’s next for the fights against ISIS and Iran-backed militias? Will anything really change? Our Iraq experts weigh in.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Jul 26, 2021

An “illiterate generation”—one of Iraq’s untold pandemic stories

By Hezha Barzani

The devastating impacts of COVID-19, coupled with years of spillover effects of violent conflict and extremism, have already proved to be detrimental to students whose education and future career ambitions already receive limited attention.

Education Iraq

In the News

Jul 15, 2021

Kadhim quoted in The New Arab on diversifying American aid to Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights International Norms

In the News

Jun 29, 2021

Ashford in Reuters: Undeclared conflict? America’s battles with Iran-backed militia escalate, again

By Atlantic Council

On June 29, Emma Ashford was quoted in Reuters on US strikes against the Iran-backed militias in Syria and Iraq. “A lot of people suggest that the term ‘forever war’ is just emotive, but it’s actually a decent descriptor of the kind of strike we saw again (Sunday): no strategic goal, no endpoint in sight, […]

Defense Policy English

In the News

Jun 29, 2021

Slavin joined VOA Russian to discuss the latest US strikes in Syria and Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

Fast Thinking

Jun 28, 2021

FAST THINKING: What Biden’s airstrikes left behind

By Atlantic Council

What does this mean for the future of drone warfare and the US military presence in Iraq? Our experts sort through the fallout.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jun 25, 2021

Schultz in War on the Rocks reviewing new memoir on the plight of US interpreters in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

On June 25, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Tammy S. Schultz published a book review with Noah Ramsey in War on the Rocks titled “Interpreters on the run: Baghdad underground railroad.” Schultz, the Director of National Security and Professor of Strategic Studies at the US Marine Corps War College, reviews Steve Miska’s book, Baghdad Underground […]

Iraq Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

MENASource

Jun 25, 2021

Under a Raisi presidency, ties with Iraq will still matter

By Abbas Kadhim, Masoud Mostajabi

For Baghdad, it will be essential to maintain friendly relations with the new Iranian administration and its other neighbors.

Iran Iraq

Experts