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

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

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

Experts

Events