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

Event Recap

Jun 26, 2019

What does new opinion survey data from Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan tell us?

The Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and the Arab Barometer hosted a panel discussion marking the release of new public opinion survey data on the state of the economy, institutional trust, migration, government performance, media consumption, corruption, and foreign relations in Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. Participating in the conversation, moderated by Wall Street Journal reporter Vivian Salama, were Arab Barometer experts Dr. Mark Tessler and Dr. Kathrin Thomas and Iraq Initiative Director Dr. Abbas Kadhim and Nonresident Senior Fellow Faysal Itani.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Jun 20, 2019

Will Iraq have an uprising after sixteen years of political, social, and economic disillusionment?

By Aqeel Abood

Sixteen years have gone by since the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and the country is still suffering from major unresolved political, economic, and social issues. Even the most pessimistic people in Iraq did not think that the situation would be this dire.

Iraq

In the News

Jun 20, 2019

Borzou Daragahi in the Financial Times: Iraq divided: Borzou Daragahi on the chances of partition

By Borzou Daragahi

Read More Here

Iraq

MENASource

Jun 18, 2019

How to counter Iran’s proxies

By Dr. C. Anthony Pfaff

Solutions will emphasize political efforts to continue to isolate Iran from the international community, make dependence on Iranian support less attractive to its proxies, and cultivate partners who can provide the kind of good governance and responsible behavior that serve as a more attractive model than Iran’s divisive practices.

Iran Iraq
mickmulroy

Insights & Impact

Jun 1, 2019

Private Roundtable on Iraq with DASD Mick Mulroy

On May 7, the Iraq Initiative hosted Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Michael “Mick” Mulroy for a private, off-the-record discussion on Iraq. Middle East Programs Director William F. Wechsler moderated the conversation.

Iraq Middle East

New Atlanticist

May 17, 2019

Iraq: In the crossfire of a potential US-Iran conflict?

By Abbas Kadhim

If a new conflict erupts in the region, it will complicate the situation for Iraq in some unimaginable ways, even if Iraq is not directly involved.

Iran Iraq

In the News

May 16, 2019

Nabeel Khoury quoted in DW: Iraq walks Iran-US tightrope as tensions escalate

By Nabeel Khoury

https://www.dw.com/cda/en/iraq-walks-iran-us-tightrope-as-tensions-escalate/a-48755698

Iraq

In the News

May 4, 2019

El-Gamal joins Al-Jazeera to Discuss the Return of ISIS Fighters to their Countries of Origin

By Jasmine el-Gamal

Watch the full discussion here

Iraq Syria

In the News

Apr 14, 2019

Kadhim Quoted in The Arab Weekly on the Challenges of Rebuilding Iraq

By Abbas Kadhim

Read the full article here

Iraq

IranSource

Apr 10, 2019

Saudi Arabia’s plan to lure Iraq from Iran

By Nader Habibi and Omid Shokri Kalehsar

A Saudi economic delegation visited Iraq on April 3, seeking to promote the expansion of diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries—and to give Iraq an alternative to growing Iranian ties.

Iran Iraq

Experts