Iraq

The United States and Iraq are strategically tied through mutual interests related to the stability and security of the region. Iraq plays an important role in securing energy resources, combating extremist groups such as ISIS, and managing regional tensions. In the aftermath of the US invasion in 2003, Iraq continues to face significant challenges in attracting investment, improving governance and service delivery, balancing relations with its neighbors, and raising the quality of life of everyday Iraqis. A strong US-Iraqi relationship depends on continued cooperation on security, economic and regional affairs.

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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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Content

In the News

Jul 10, 2017

Wormuth Quoted in Military.com on Iraqi Security Forces

By Christine Wormuth

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

Jul 10, 2017

Khoury Quoted in Gulf News on Cost of Daesh Rule

By Nabeel Khoury

Read the full article here.

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Jun 26, 2017

The Islamic State’s New Realities

By Giorgio Cafiero and Daniel Wagner

The combined efforts of a host of international and regional state and non-state actors against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) have reduced the so-called caliphate’s control of Mosul to one district and surrounded its fighters in Raqqa, resulting in more of ISIS’ militants fleeing Iraq and Syria and fewer foreign fighters joining […]

Iraq

In the News

Jun 21, 2017

Mardini in the Washington Post: The Kurdish Region of Iraq is Going to Vote on Independence. Here’s What You Need to Know.

By Ramzy Mardini

Read the full article here.

Iraq

MENASource

Jun 19, 2017

Report Summary “Wilting in the Kurdish Sun: The Hopes and Fears of Religious Minorities in Northern Iraq”

By Emelie Chace-Donahue

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently published its 2017 report on Iraqi Kurdistan, for which the commission conducted in-field interviews with minority community leaders and spokesmen over several months. The report highlights the successes of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) in upholding the freedoms of its religious and ethnic minorities yet also […]

Iraq

Future of Iraq Taskforce

Jun 6, 2017

The Role of Decentralization in Combatting Extremist Influence in Iraq

By Todd Diamond

Many governance experts see decentralization as a potential model to mitigate political and sectarian challenges in Syria, Libya, and Iraq and improve livelihoods in those countries by restoring basic services to local populations. But in countries with a long history of absolute control, central government officials frequently resist any reforms seen as weakening their influence, […]

Iraq

Future of Iraq Taskforce

May 31, 2017

Atlantic Council Launches the Final Report of the Task Force on the Future of Iraq

By Atlantic Council

WASHINGTON, DC – The Atlantic Council releases today the report of the Task Force on the Future of Iraq chaired by Ambassador Ryan Crocker and convened by Senior Nonresident Fellow Dr. Nussaibah Younis.

Iraq

Future of Iraq Taskforce

May 31, 2017

Amb. Ryan Crocker on the Future of Iraq Task Force Final Report

By Atlantic Council

Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Chair of the Task Force on the Future of Iraq points to the conclusion of the United States’ offensive in Mosul against the Islamic State (ISIS) saying, “We’ve got to focus on the fact that the Islamic State itself is not the problem, it’s the symptom of the problem.” 

Iraq

Defense Industrialist

May 27, 2017

Exports and end-use

By James Hasik

We can ask the US Army to arm, advise, and assist its allies in the Iraqi Army, or we can ask the Army to consolidate its spreadsheets. For Iraqis, this fight is existential, and I’d rather they simply crushed ISIS. Wars may be audits themselves, but wars this hot may be no time for audits.

Arms Control Defense Industry

Defense Industrialist

May 10, 2017

Is imported steel a threat to American national security?

By James Hasik

It hasn’t been, it isn’t now, and it probably won’t be in the future. Last month, President Donald Trump promulgated a memorandum on “Steel Imports and Threats to National Security,” directing Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to consider whether “steel is being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to […]

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