Iraq

Middle East

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.

Featured commentary & analysis

Amid the Hormuz crisis, an Iraq-Jordan-Egypt oil pipeline can no longer wait

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

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

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

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

MENASource

Mar 25, 2026

Amid the Hormuz crisis, an Iraq-Jordan-Egypt oil pipeline can no longer wait

By Maisoon H. Kafafy

Iraq is hemorrhaging oil revenue. Egypt is absorbing shocks on every front. The infrastructure that could have changed both equations has been forty years in the making. It still doesn’t exist.

Conflict Iraq

MENASource

Mar 24, 2026

The real roadblock to government formation in Iraq isn’t Maliki—it’s Kurdish power politics

By Omar Al-Nidawi

A dispute between Kurdish factions presents a significant structural obstacle to Iraq’s government formation regardless of who is nominated for prime minister.

Democratic Transitions Elections

Dispatches

Mar 12, 2026

Energy under attack: What the Gulf can learn from Ukraine and Iraq

By Matthew Keating

In their successes and shortcomings, Iraq and Ukraine are cases worth studying by countries currently under attack from Iran.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Foe or friend? US-Turkey bilateral relations seem set to improve as interests align

By Rich Outzen

If Turkey and the US pursue compatible goals and interests, room remains to balance internal political benefits with geopolitical cooperation.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

Mar 6, 2026

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain the goals of the various Kurdish groups the United States is reportedly backing for an attack against Iran and how their involvement could impact the wider war.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

Feb 3, 2026

Why the Trump administration is refusing to accept a third term for Iraq’s Nouri al-Maliki

By Rend Al-Rahim, Victoria J. Taylor

That the United States would seek to block Maliki from a third term as prime minister is unsurprising given the disastrous record of his premiership from 2006 to 2014.

Elections Iraq

Report

Jan 26, 2026

In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

By Sardar Aziz and Mohammed A. Salih

As China seeks new markets abroad and energy security at home, Iraq has become integral to Beijing’s plans in the Middle East. Baghdad finds itself caught between its security needs, for which it depends on the United States, and the economic needs of its growing population.

China Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Jan 8, 2026

Iraq’s pathway to stability relies on transfers of power

By Yerevan Saeed

The key question is not whether Sudani is like al-Maliki but whether a second term would reduce competition and weaken institutions.

Elections Iraq

Podcast

Dec 11, 2025

“Youth as merchandise”: Iraqi mercenaries in Ukraine

By Alia Brahimi

In Season 2, Episode 13 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi is joined by the Iraqi political analyst Mohammed Salih to discuss the legion of Iraqi men turning up on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

Iraq Middle East

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 Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Events

Public Event Thu, July 30, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Reporters at risk: The state of press freedom in Iraq

Iraq Middle East Resilience Resilience & Society

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Issue briefs and reports

Fast Thinking

Dispatches

Inflection Points

UkraineAlert

MENASource

Econographics

Featured commentary & analysis

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

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

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

Programs

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Content

Amid the Hormuz crisis, an Iraq-Jordan-Egypt oil pipeline can no longer wait

The real roadblock to government formation in Iraq isn’t Maliki—it’s Kurdish power politics

Energy under attack: What the Gulf can learn from Ukraine and Iraq

Foe or friend? US-Turkey bilateral relations seem set to improve as interests align

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

Why the Trump administration is refusing to accept a third term for Iraq’s Nouri al-Maliki

In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

Iraq’s pathway to stability relies on transfers of power

“Youth as merchandise”: Iraqi mercenaries in Ukraine

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

Experts

Elliot Ackerman

Akeel Abbas

Safwan Al-Amin

Yesar Al-Maleki

Omar Al-Nidawi

Rend Al-Rahim

Events

Reporters at risk: The state of press freedom in Iraq

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