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

Oct 10, 2017

The Kurdish Crisis: Baghdad, Erbil, and Institutional Reform in Iraq

By Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

On October 10, 2017, the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East held a panel discussion on the recent Kurdish referendum and the state of Iraqi-Kurdish relations. Ambassador Frederic C. Hof, the director of the Hariri center, moderated the event. Ambassador Stuart Jones, Dr. Harith Hasan, and Dr. Denise Natali contributed to the discussion as […]

Iraq

MENASource

Oct 6, 2017

A difficult life in Mosul Post-ISIS

By Mustafa Habib

When the extremist group known as the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) was expelled from the northern city of Mosul, locals there were happy. But now, not so much, says Qassim Badran, a former employee of the local power department. The government stopped paying his salary back in 2014 when the Islamic State, or IS, […]

Iraq Terrorism

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2017

The Taste of Freedom, But at What Cost for the Kurds?

By Bina Hussein

While the Kurdistani people may have voted for independence, the practical application of the referendum, which was rejected by the Kurdistan region’s neighbors, remains uncertain. Depending on the fallout in the days, weeks, and months to come, the referendum could either prove an opportunity to improve regional relations, or leave a bitter aftertaste for all […]

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Sep 27, 2017

After the referendum: Negotiation is still possible

By Harith Hasan

Monday’s referendum in Kurdistan resulted in a situation whereby all parties lack good options. To be sure, Masoud Barzani, the leader of Kurdistan Region Government (KRG), achieved some immediate political gains. He managed to mobilize his base by calling for and conducting the referendum despite international objections. In doing so, he strengthened his political stance […]

Iraq

In the News

Sep 27, 2017

Mardini Quoted in LA Times on Kurdish Independence Movement in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

Sep 27, 2017

Alyahya Quoted in Foreign Policy on Iraqi Kurd Independence Referendum

By Mohammed Alyahya

Read the full article here.

Iraq

MENASource

Sep 25, 2017

Midwife to Kurdistan

By Michael D. Barbero

Once the United States fully committed to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh), the ultimate demise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria was never in question. The issue was what to do the ‘day after’ ISIS: specifically, how to transition to a post-ISIS Middle East and to confront the enduring sectarian issues and ethnic […]

Iraq

In the News

Sep 15, 2017

Mardini Quoted in Financial Times on Iraqi Kurds Voting for Referendum

By Ramzy Mardini

Read the full article here

Iraq

In the News

Aug 26, 2017

Mardini Quoted in Politico on Iraqi Politics

By Ramzy Mardini

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

Aug 9, 2017

Alfoneh in Middle East Institute: Tehran’s Iraqi Proxies and Looming Conflict with the US

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here.

Iran Iraq

Experts