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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Content

In the News

Aug 13, 2018

Handjani Quoted in the National on Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi’s Support for US Sanctions on Iran

By Amir Handjani

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Iran Iraq

MENASource

Jul 20, 2018

Iraq protests highlight gap in US policy

By Emily Burchfield

As most headlines continue to focus on US President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and fallout from the NATO summit, Iraq is witnessing some of the largest and most prolonged protests in years. The protests began last week, triggered by water and electricity shortages, unemployment, and government corruption. Despite the growing […]

Democratic Transitions Iraq
Iraq

Issue Brief

Jul 18, 2018

Beyond security: Stabilization, governance, and socioeconomic challenges in Iraq

By Dr. Harith Hasan

As unrest over the Iraqi government’s failure to provide essential services grips southern Iraq, the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East is offering insight and analysis beyond the headlines. In a new issue brief, Beyond Security: Stabilization, Governance, and Socioeconomic Challenges in Iraq, Dr. Harith Hasan explores the ways in which economic and social […]

Economy & Business Iraq

Issue Brief

Jul 18, 2018

Beyond security: Stabilization, governance, and socioeconomic challenges in Iraq

By Dr. Harith Hasan

In his new issue brief, Dr. Harith Hasan explores the ways in which economic and social issues play into Iraq’s instability and the genesis of violent conflict.

Economy & Business Iraq

MENASource

Jul 11, 2018

Can Sadr fulfill his campaign promise to reform the Iraq energy sector?

By Andrea Taylor

The trajectory of Iraq remains uncertain two months after the May 2018 Parliamentary elections in which the political bloc led by Muqtada al-Sadr won the greatest number of seats. Given that the Alliance Revolutionaries for Reform, or Sairoon, fell well short of a majority, Sadr must develop a coalition with other parties to elect a […]

Energy Markets & Governance Iraq

MENASource

May 29, 2018

The truth about Iraq’s democracy

By Harith Hasan

Some commentators recently celebrated the Iraqi election as a sign that democracy is taking root in Iraq’s soil. This optimistic view is justified given the bleak situation of democratic transformation in the region. Authoritarianism in the Middle East persists as the common model of governing, even in countries that witnessed popular uprisings and demands for […]

Democratic Transitions Iraq

IranSource

May 21, 2018

The Regional Consequences of Trump’s Decision to Ditch the Iran Nuclear Deal

By Rachel Ansley

Though Iran has thus far remained in compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the US decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal could be the first domino to fall, setting off a chain of escalatory events throughout the region.  “This change is US policy is happening at a time when the region […]

Iran Iraq

In the News

May 20, 2018

Alfoneh in The Arab Weekly: Tehran Alarmed by Iraqi Nationalism

By Ali Alfoneh

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Iran Iraq

In the News

May 20, 2018

Alfoneh in the Arab Weekly: Tehran alarmed by Iraqi nationalism

By Ali Alfoneh

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Iran Iraq

In the News

May 20, 2018

Brandenburg Quoted in The Arab Weekly on Sadr’s Win in Iraq

By Rachel Brandenburg

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Iraq

Experts