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

In the News

Nov 28, 2019

Kadhim quoted in L’Orient Le Jour on corruption in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Corruption

In the News

Nov 26, 2019

Cohen in Forbes: Making History: U.S. Exports More Petroleum Than It Imports In September and October

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Nov 25, 2019

Kadhim quoted on Politico praising US non-intervention in Iraq protests

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iraq

In the News

Nov 23, 2019

Kadhim quoted in Politico on U.S. relations with Iraq and Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Nov 19, 2019

Leaked Iranian intelligence about Iraq only tells part of the story

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The recent story in the New York Times on leaked Iranian intelligence reports about Iranian influence operations in Iraq elicits a couple of possible reactions. If one works for the United States government, particularly in any department or bureau that deals with Iraq, one would be reasonable to feel some gratitude not only that the […]

Intelligence Iran

MENASource

Nov 18, 2019

Explainer: Iraq’s autumn of discontent

By Christiana Haynes

Waves of protests have hit Iraq this past October and November, calling for the resignation of the post-war government and sweeping changes. Last month alone, there have been reports of hundreds of protesters killed and thousands wounded by security forces in clashes across the country, from Tahrir Square in Baghdad to cities like Diwaniyah, Najaf, […]

Corruption Iraq

In the News

Nov 9, 2019

Kadhim quoted in New York Times on Iraqi protestors

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Iraq

SyriaSource

Nov 8, 2019

The death of Baghdadi: How ISIS used al-Qaeda’s mistakes to grow a caliphate

By Amanda E. Rogers

Optimistic predictions about the end of the Islamic State (ISIS) surged in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s October 27 press conference announcing the death of the ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, but prove misguided in the long term. The threat posed by ISIS remains high, particularly outside the para-state’s previously held territories in […]

Extremism Iraq

IranSource

Nov 7, 2019

Why Iran wants the Lebanon and Iraq uprisings to fade

By Sina Azodi and Giorgio Cafiero

From Iran’s perspective, the possibility of either the Iraqi prime minister being ousted, or Hezbollah being pushed further up against the wall are extremely unsettling.

Iran Iraq

In the News

Nov 7, 2019

Kadhim quoted in The Globe Post on Iraq’s role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative

By Atlantic Council

China Iraq

Experts

Events