Iraq Archives

Rich Outzen joins TRT World to discuss the PKK in Iraq

MENASource Jan 16, 2024

Experts react: What to expect after Iranian attacks on Erbil

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights about the attack and what to expect next.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource Jan 13, 2024

Iraq’s prime minister is sending mixed messages on whether US forces should withdraw or not

By Abbas Kadhim

It would not be an exaggeration to state that US-Iraqi relations are rapidly approaching the dynamics observed under the Trump administration in 2020.

Defense Policy Iraq

MENASource Nov 22, 2023

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight

By Lizzie Porter

Iraq is witnessing part of the regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and Iraqi bases housing US troops are feeling that most forcefully.

Iran Iraq

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.

EXPLORE THE Iraq INitiative

Top experts

Former staff

Kirsten Fontenrose

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Middle East National Security

Staff

Abbas Kadhim

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Iraq Middle East

Fellow

David Mack

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Staff

Masoud Mostajabi

Deputy Director, Middle East Programs

Iraq Initiative Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment English

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Former fellow

Andrew L. Peek

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Defense Policy

Fellow

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Forward Defense Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Terrorism

Content

In the News

Apr 11, 2023

Rich Outzen joins TRT World to discuss the PKK in Iraq

Iraq Security & Defense

In the News

Apr 3, 2023

Kroenig and Ashford debate the US 2003 response in Iraq

On March 24, Foreign Policy published its biweekly "It's Debatable" column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and Emma Ashford assessing the latest news in international affairs.

China Iraq

Event Recap

Mar 24, 2023

Trajectories of Iraqi youth two decades after the 2003 invasion: Between aspirations and reality

By Britt Gronemeyer

On March 20, 2023, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted a discussion with a number of young Iraqi civil society activists and prospective leaders to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Iraq invasion.

Economy & Business Education

MENASource

Mar 24, 2023

Black Iraqis have been invisible for a long time. Their vibrant culture and struggle must be recognized.

By Sarah Zaaimi

Black Iraqis are not only living on the geographical margins of urban agglomerations but also on the margins of society and its structures.

Iraq Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 20, 2023

Policy lessons from the Iraq War for those who wish to forget

By Ben Connable

A retired US Marine Corps officer who served in Iraq reflects on what went wrong, what went right, and what today's leaders can learn.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Mar 17, 2023

How the war in Iraq changed the world—and what change could come next

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts break down how this conflict has transformed not only military operations and strategy, but also diplomacy, intelligence, national security, energy security, economic statecraft, and much more.

Climate Change & Climate Action Conflict

MENASource

Mar 16, 2023

I was once denied an education in Iraq. This is why the Taliban’s prohibition on female education matters.

By Nibras Basitkey

As an Iraqi refugee who understands the importance of education, I recognize that achieving gender parity in education is critical for Afghanistan’s long-term economic growth and prosperity.

Afghanistan Education

Event Recap

Feb 28, 2023

A conversation with Fuad Hussein, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Iraq

By Mahnaz Vahdati

On February 15, 2023, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted His Excellency Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Iraq, for a conversation with Abbas Kadhim, Director of the Iraq Initiative within the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Feb 21, 2023

Iraq needs to address the economy’s structural imbalances to halt the dinar’s volatility

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

The Iraqi government and the Central Bank of Iraq introduced a series of measures to create domestic demand for the Iraqi dinar and to accelerate the adoption of banking in the economy.

Economy & Business Iraq

Transcript

Feb 15, 2023

Brett McGurk sets out the ‘Biden doctrine’ for the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

In a keynote speech at the Atlantic Council's Rafik Hariri Awards, the White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa explains the Biden administration's strategy in the region.

Iran Iraq