Wechsler quoted in Bloomberg on Iran’s retaliation against US in Iraq

MENASource Jun 30, 2025

Balancing acts and breaking points: Iraq’s US-Iran dilemma

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The future of US–Iraq relations is neither as dim as it may first appear, nor as promising as one might hope.
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran
Wechsler quoted in Bloomberg on Iran’s retaliation against US in Iraq

MENASource Jun 4, 2025

Why Iraq should build bridges with its ‘new’ neighbor, Syria

By Shermine Serbest

Iraq’s position on the Syria transition is split between two camps: the official government, and that of the powerful non-state actors.
Iraq Middle East
Wechsler quoted in Bloomberg on Iran’s retaliation against US in Iraq

MENASource Apr 17, 2025

Trump must clarify his Iraq policy. Washington’s Middle East investment hangs in the balance.

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Contradictory signals from the US president on Iraq’s Iran-connected Popular Mobilization Forces risks derailing hard-won progress.
Iraq Middle East

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

Fellow

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

Jan 7, 2020

Wechsler quoted in Bloomberg on Iran’s retaliation against US in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Iran Iraq

New Atlanticist

Jan 6, 2020

Will Iraq become Syria 2.0?

By Daniel V. Speckhard

In a very short time, the United States is moving from a position of significant influence to one of weakness by its own bumbling. It has lost the support of its internal and external supporters with respect to Iraq and has opened the door for others to step into the vacuum to play the role of savior and mediator.

Conflict Iraq

MENASource

Jan 6, 2020

China’s response to the Soleimani killing

By Jonathan Fulton

Anything that affects the Gulf states’ ability to get energy to market hurts China’s economy, which in turn erodes the performance legitimacy model of the Chinese Communist Party.

China Iraq

MENASource

Jan 6, 2020

By killing Soleimani, the United States destroyed its relationship with Iraq

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi parliament vote to remove US troops confirms that if Iraqis are cornered and forced to choose between the United States and Iran, they will find it safer to choose Iran.

Iran Iraq

New Atlanticist

Jan 5, 2020

Iraqi parliament calls for troop withdrawal: What next for the United States?

By Atlantic Council

"If this vote tells us anything," Abbas Kadhim says, "it confirms that if Iraqis are cornered and forced to choose between the United States and Iran, they will find it safer to choose Iran."

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Jan 4, 2020

The Soleimani assassination: A view from Britain

By John M. Roberts

While UK political commentators were phrasing Britain’s low-key response to the assassination as even-handedness, the actual response on the ground is likely to be anything but.

Iran Iraq

New Atlanticist

Jan 4, 2020

The implications of the Soleimani assasination

By Peter Westmacott

There will be plenty of people advising the US president that, even with Soleimani gone, the risk of leaving the stage completely is that Iran will find it even easier to fill the vacuum.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jan 3, 2020

Bell quoted in Politico on threats to Iraqi oil production

By Atlantic Council

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jan 3, 2020

Slavin and Kadhim quoted in Politico on likely Iraqi parliamentary actions following Soleimani’s assassination

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jan 3, 2020

Slavin and Kadhim quoted in USA Today on Iran’s actions in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Lesley Chavkin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

Fellow

Richard Clarke

Distinguished Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Conflict

Fellow

Scott Cooper

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Civil Society

Fellow

Arwa Damon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Michael Groen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Defense Technologies
Load More