Iraq Archives

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight

MENASource Jan 16, 2024

Experts react: What to expect after Iranian attacks on Erbil

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights about the attack and what to expect next.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource Jan 13, 2024

Iraq’s prime minister is sending mixed messages on whether US forces should withdraw or not

By Abbas Kadhim

It would not be an exaggeration to state that US-Iraqi relations are rapidly approaching the dynamics observed under the Trump administration in 2020.

Defense Policy Iraq

MENASource Nov 22, 2023

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight

By Lizzie Porter

Iraq is witnessing part of the regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and Iraqi bases housing US troops are feeling that most forcefully.

Iran Iraq

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.

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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

Staff

Masoud Mostajabi

Deputy Director, Middle East Programs

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

Forward Defense Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Terrorism

Content

MENASource

Nov 22, 2023

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight

By Lizzie Porter

Iraq is witnessing part of the regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and Iraqi bases housing US troops are feeling that most forcefully.

Iran Iraq

Event Recap

Nov 21, 2023

Balancing global engagement and domestic growth: Iraq’s future in and evolving landscape

By Diane Mohamed

The Iraq Initiative's second annual conference explored key challenges and opportunities confronting Iraq's future generations

Climate Change & Climate Action Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Nov 17, 2023

Iraq’s parliamentary speaker was removed. What’s next for the country?

By Abbas Kadhim

The current crisis dates back to May 2022, when Mohamed al-Halbousi removed one of his bloc’s members from parliament.

Elections Iraq

MENASource

Nov 15, 2023

I covered the battle against ISIS in Mosul. Gaza’s challenges will make it look like child’s play.

By Arwa Damon

If there is something to be drawn from those lessons, it is that what Israel is doing right now will secure anything but peace and stability.

Iraq Israel

In the News

Nov 13, 2023

Rich Outzen joins Arab News for an interview on Iraq-Turkey pipeline

Energy & Environment Iraq

MENASource

Nov 7, 2023

Iraq is at a crossroads. Will it choose its Shia militias or relations with the US?

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Iraq is facing a high-stakes balancing act that carries profound implications for its relations with the United States and regional stability.

Iraq Israel

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2023

A Marine’s view: What Israeli ground forces will face in Gaza

By John B. Barranco

A US Marine who fought in Baghdad, Ramadi, Fallujah, and Kandahar shares insights on the challenges facing Israeli ground forces as they try to destroy Hamas in Gaza.

Conflict Iraq

MENASource

Oct 20, 2023

The conflict in Gaza threatens Iraq’s stability, progress in US-Iraq relations

By C. Anthony Pfaff

After Israel responded to Hamas’s deadly October 7 attacks, Iraqis took to the streets in massive pro-Palestinian protests, burning Israeli flags and chanting anti-American slogans.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Oct 13, 2023

Katz in VOA (Kurdish): Iraq between the United States and Russia

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management International Norms

MENASource

Aug 17, 2023

The path to transforming Iraqi Kurdistan’s economic diversity and potential

By Honar Issa

The self-sufficiency and sustainability of a government are contingent on a strong economy, and this is the path the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has taken.

Economy & Business Iraq