US strikes in Iraq and Syria: Managing the escalation

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
US strikes in Iraq and Syria: Managing the escalation

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
US strikes in Iraq and Syria: Managing the escalation

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

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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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Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

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Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

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William F. Wechsler

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New Atlanticist

Dec 31, 2019

US strikes in Iraq and Syria: Managing the escalation

By C. Anthony Pfaff

It is a very bad idea to turn Iraq into a battlefield (again). However, it is a worse idea to let Tehran use certain militias to continue to derail Iraq’s recovery, reconciliation, and reconstruction. It is certainly the case that the United States will have to accept a role for Iran in Iraq; however, the Iranians will likewise have to accept a role for the United States. If they do not, then the fault for turning Iraq into a battlefield lies with them.

Conflict
Democratic Transitions

In the News

Dec 30, 2019

Bryza joins TRTWorld to discuss targeting of Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Syria
Conflict
Iran

New Atlanticist

Dec 29, 2019

Experts react: United States retaliates against Iran-backed forces in Iraq and Syria

By Atlantic Council

The United States launched a series of airstrikes against the Iranian-backed group Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq and Syria on December 29, 2019.

Conflict
Iraq

MENASource

Dec 20, 2019

Staff cuts at US embassy Baghdad will not counter Iran

By Thomas S. Warrick

The planned US staffing cuts at the embassy in Baghdad is likely to undermine US efforts to counter Iran and will leave a gap Iran is happy to continue to fill through economic, security, and political means.

Iraq
Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Dec 16, 2019

War Words in 2019: A stage play about the men and women who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan

By Steven Grundman and Christian Trotti

Walk with us...

Afghanistan
Conflict

In the News

Dec 9, 2019

Charai in The National Interest: A Call to Arms: Why the CIA needs to play a new role in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Iraq
Middle East

In the News

Dec 7, 2019

Kadhim in Iraqi Economists: The challenges Iraq faces after prime minister’s resignation.

By Atlantic Council

Corruption
Economy & Business

In the News

Dec 7, 2019

Kadhim joins The Monocle to discuss the ongoing demonstrations in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
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In the News

Dec 5, 2019

Kadhim quoted in Financial Times on replacing Iraqi prime minister

By Atlantic Council

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Elections

In the News

Dec 4, 2019

Kadhim quoted in Al Jazeera on Muhasasa, the political system reviled by Iraqi protesters

By Atlantic Council

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Elliot Ackerman

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Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

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Akeel Abbas

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Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

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Safwan Al-Amin

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Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

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Omar Al-Nidawi

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Rend Al-Rahim

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Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

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John B. Barranco

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Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Americas Iraq
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Public Event Mon, February 23, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

The future of Iraq-Syria relations
Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Syria