Badr Brigade: Among Most Consequential Outcomes of the Iran-Iraq War

MENASource
Nov 5, 2025

Why China is here to stay in Iraq’s energy sector

By
Jared Levy and Ben Van Heuvelen

Regardless of the specific makeup of the next Iraqi government, it is likely that Chinese firms will continue to enjoy an advantage.

Elections
Iraq

Badr Brigade: Among Most Consequential Outcomes of the Iran-Iraq War

MENASource
Nov 4, 2025

Twelve questions (and expert answers) on the Iraq elections

By
Atlantic Council experts

Iraq is set to hold elections on November 11. Our experts unpack the key questions looming over the landmark vote.

Elections
Iraq

Badr Brigade: Among Most Consequential Outcomes of the Iran-Iraq War

MENASource
Oct 31, 2025

Inside the divides of Iraq’s Coordination Framework—and why they matter ahead of landmark elections 

By
Rend Al-Rahim

The November election will not necessarily determine who the next prime minister will be, but it will provide an opportunity to shift power dynamics within the fractious Shia bloc.

Elections
Iraq

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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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Director, Iraq Initiative

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Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

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William F. Wechsler


Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

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Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
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Yerevan Saeed


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
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Nonresident Senior Fellow

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Content

IranSource

Aug 16, 2018

Badr Brigade: Among Most Consequential Outcomes of the Iran-Iraq War

By Borzou Daragahi

The burly, graying men in the mismatched camouflage arrived in the late winter of 2003, setting up camp within the green hilly folds of northern Iraq. They were members of the Badr Brigade, a Shia fighting force that had been sheltering in exile inside Iran during the reign of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. They told […]

Iran Iraq

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

Read the full article here

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

Read the full article here

Iran Iraq

In the News

May 20, 2018

Alfoneh in the Arab Weekly: Tehran alarmed by Iraqi nationalism

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here.

Iran Iraq
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Experts

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Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

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Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Yerevan Saeed

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights
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