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.

The future of US-Iraq relations

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
The future of US-Iraq relations

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
The future of US-Iraq relations

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

Top experts

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East

Fellow

Alina L. Romanowski

Distinguished Fellow

Iraq Initiative Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Yerevan Saeed

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Fellow

Jennifer Gavito

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Content

Issue briefs and reports

Apr 27, 2020

The future of US-Iraq relations

By C. Anthony Pfaff

This Atlantic Council Iraq Initiative report by Nonresident Senior Fellow Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff analyzes the current challenges in the US-Iraq relationship and presents policy recommendations.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Apr 23, 2020

How the US military should leave Iraq

By Barbara Slavin

It is still possible to retain US influence in Iraq and to offer Iraqis an alternative to complete domination by Iran.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Apr 22, 2020

Challenges for Iraq’s new government under Mustafa Al-Kadhimi

By Abbas Kadhim

The protests that started in October 2019 ushered in a new political era in Iraq. For the first time in the post-2003 process of democratic transition, a government was forced to resign due to popular pressure. The resignation of Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi’s cabinet forced the Iraqi political leadership to face contentious constitutional and procedural […]

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Apr 21, 2020

Kadhim quoted in the New York Times on anti-Iranian sentiment in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Coronavirus Iraq

New Atlanticist

Apr 9, 2020

Third time’s the charm for a new Iraqi PM?

By Atlantic Council

“Iraq needs a prime minister with a mandate from the parliament and the people," Thomas Warrick says, "and al-Kadhimi represents the best chance in a long time for an Iraqi leader who understand the needs of the people for honest, competent, and responsive government."

Democratic Transitions Iraq

Elections 2020

Mar 26, 2020

US strategy in Iraq and the coronavirus plot twist

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Tehran is betting that the world is too consumed with managing a pandemic to hold them accountable—and that the US administration is unwilling to stay the course in Iraq because it is too gun shy in an election year and too financially strapped by the coming burden of US unemployment. The implications of a global pandemic make that a risky bet.

Conflict Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Mar 26, 2020

Ending the “Endless War” trope

By Paul D. Miller

The trope about ending endless wars is really a way of arguing that the US foreign policy establishment has failed, that the supposed doctrine of interventionism is ineffective and counterproductive, and that the United States should retrench, withdraw, and do less in the world. It is the latest talking point in a long-running debate between advocates of restraint and advocates of engagement. The debate is not whether we want wars to end or not, but about what strategy is best suited to end them on the best terms.

Afghanistan Conflict

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
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Experts

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

John B. Barranco

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Americas Iraq
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Events

Public Event Mon, April 20, 2026 • 2:30 pm ET

The future of Iraq-Syria relations
Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Syria
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy