Kadhim quoted in Saudi Gazette on Iraq’s measures to restrict public gatherings amid coronavirus outbreak

MENASource Oct 2, 2024

After Operation Inherent Resolve: How to not mess up US-Iraq security relations again

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The importance of broadening US relations with Iraq beyond counter-terror operations cannot be overstated.
Conflict Defense Policy
Kadhim quoted in Saudi Gazette on Iraq’s measures to restrict public gatherings amid coronavirus outbreak

MENASource Sep 5, 2024

Iraq’s new family law amendment could potentially legalize child marriage—and fracture the country

By Nibras Basitkey

The Iraqi parliament recently proposed an amendment that could potentially legalize child marriage for girls as young as nine, thereby further restricting women’s rights.
Civil Society Conflict
Kadhim quoted in Saudi Gazette on Iraq’s measures to restrict public gatherings amid coronavirus outbreak

MENASource Jul 11, 2024

Investing in Iraq’s education will contribute to its revival

By Honar Issa

Investing in Iraq’s education system offers a unique opportunity for the United States to not only support a key ally but also address the root causes of instability in the region.
Civil Society Conflict

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

Former staff

Kirsten Fontenrose

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Middle East National Security

Staff

Abbas Kadhim

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Iraq Middle East

Fellow

David Mack

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Former staff

Masoud Mostajabi

Former Deputy Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment English

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Former fellow

Andrew L. Peek

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Defense Policy

Fellow

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Content

In the News

Mar 21, 2020

Kadhim quoted in Saudi Gazette on Iraq’s measures to restrict public gatherings amid coronavirus outbreak

By Atlantic Council

Coronavirus Iraq

In the News

Mar 20, 2020

Kadhim quoted in Al-Monitor on US presence in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 20, 2020

Amid COVID-19, Iraq remains US-Iran battleground

By Atlantic Council

Americans have been killed once again during attacks on Iraqi bases, and a series of strikes have been made by US forces and Iranian proxies within Iraq, with no immediate sign that the hostilities will abate anytime soon. Iran is trying to force a US withdrawal, and the United States is trying to protect its interests and reinforce its red lines. Caught in the middle once again, Iraq is simultaneously confronting a security crisis, a health emergency, and an economic free fall—all without the benefit of a functioning government in Baghdad.

Conflict Coronavirus

In the News

Mar 19, 2020

Kadhim joins the Arab Center in Washington DC to discuss Iraq’s current and future politics

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 17, 2020

Another prime minister nominee in Iraq: Will this one take?

By Abbas Kadhim

Al-Zurfi's success will depend on the Kurds and the Sunnis, whose opposition destroyed the chances of the previous nominee. For the Kurdish and the Sunni blocs, it is not a matter of whether Al-Zurfi is able to meet the governance challenges, but rather a question of if he will undertake enough political bargaining and ethno-sectarian apportionment of political positions that come with perks. Al-Zurfi will have to calculate how much he can give them to keep a semblance of legitimacy for his government.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Mar 12, 2020

Strike on Iraqi base kills US and Coalition soldiers: How will the US respond?

By Atlantic Council

“The attack on Camp Taji is another sign that Iraq is returning slowly to the pre-2011 insurgency,” Abbas Kadhim says. “The Iraqi government is unfortunately incapable of controlling the various armed groups that have the ability to strike anywhere they want inside the country.”

Conflict Iraq

New Atlanticist

Mar 6, 2020

Allawi withdraws PM nomination: Opportunities in Iraq despite the dysfunction

By C. Anthony Pfaff

As dysfunctional as Iraq’s democracy can be, it is still a democracy and even the Iranian-backed political parties have to pay attention to the will of their various constituencies. This point means that an energized protest movement can help bring about conditions more favorable to Iraq’s recovery.

Democratic Transitions Iraq

In the News

Mar 4, 2020

Kadhim quoted in The Washington Post on Shiite Muslim cleric ­Moqtada al-Sadr’s influence in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Feb 27, 2020

How Israel is used to delegitimize Iraq’s anti-government protests

By Seth Frantzman

Adversaries have accused Iraqi protesters of sedition and even tried to link them to the United States and Israel.

Iraq Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2020

Iraqi MP: Continued protests provide opportunity for real reform

By Kyle Thetford

The massive protests that have rocked Iraq since October 2019 and have brought down one government have also given the new prime minister designee a unique opportunity to overcome vested interests and deliver meaningful reform, according to Iraqi Council of Representatives Member Sarkawt Shamsulddin.

Democratic Transitions Iraq
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Experts

Fellow

Scott D. Berrier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Linda Lourie

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Artificial Intelligence Australia

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Staff

Hezha Barzani

Associate Director, empowerME Initiative

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Education Human Rights

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, empowerME

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society
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