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.

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

MENASource

Sep 29, 2020

Does the United States need an embassy in Baghdad?

By David Mack

Iraq remains a country of great importance to the United States and it would be foolish to deprive Washington of a tool for assessing and hopefully influencing conditions in Iraq.

Iraq Middle East

Elections 2020

Sep 29, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: Middle East

By Middle East Programs

In every US presidential election since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Middle East and North Africa has been a top foreign policy issue. The 2020 presidential election is no different.

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Sep 23, 2020

How the Iranian air force turned the tide of the Iran-Iraq war in 1980

By Ali Dadpay and Sina Azodi

In the case of the Iranian armed forces, one must speak of months of prosecution, summary executions, and an almost complete breakdown of the chain of command following the 1979 revolution. Yet, despite all odds, the Artesh chose to fight bravely when the Iraqi army invaded Iran on September 20, 1980.

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Sep 15, 2020

Sistani’s roadmap to the renewal of political legitimacy in Iraq

By Abbas Kadhim

While his statement can be interpreted as a form of support for the current Iraqi government, this support is not unconditional.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Sep 10, 2020

Kadhim quoted in AFP on the return of Saddam-era files

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 28, 2020

How attacks on US forces in Iraq became a new normal

By Seth Frantzman

The resulting posture of the US in Iraq looks to be a presence concentrated more in the autonomous Kurdistan region—where US forces have never been targeted by rocket attacks—with a very limited presence in Al-Assad base and Baghdad.

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 26, 2020

Four takeaways from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s visit

By Andrew Peek

Washington must compete in the gray zone, for partial victory, with all the tools at its disposal. This visit was a good start.

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Aug 18, 2020

Kadhim quoted in The National on Al Kadhimi’s White House visit

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Aug 14, 2020

Deputy Director Julia Friedlander’s Op-Ed for the Hill on the Implications of the Current Sanction Regime

By Julia Friedlander

Read the full article here.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

MENASource

Aug 4, 2020

Three years after the Caliphate, Iraq’s Christians find little incentive to return

By Paul Gadalla

The region’s few remaining Christians find themselves caught between Iran-backed Shia militias and an Iraqi government that, nearly twenty years after the American invasion, is politically paralyzed and still unable to provide basic security and services—let alone protect the country’s embattled minority populations.

Iraq Middle East

Experts

Events