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.

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

Jun 3, 2016

Al-Khoei in CNN: Battle for Falluja: Not Shias versus Sunnis but Iraqis versus ISIS

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Task Force member Hayder al-Khoei writes for CNN on the inaccurate sectarian framing of the Fallujah campaign. Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

Jun 1, 2016

Ashooh Joins C-Span with Iraqi Ambassador Faily to Discuss US-Iraq Relations

By Jessica Ashooh

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

May 27, 2016

Knights Writes for Foreign Policy on the Need to Secure Baghdad from ISIS

By Michael Knights

Iraq Task Force member Michael Knights writes for Foreing Policy on the need to secure Baghdad from ISIS to prevent rise of Shia militia control.  Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

May 25, 2016

Knights Writes for Al Jazeera on Operations to Retake Fallujah

By Michael Knights

Iraq Task Force Member Michael Knights writes for Al Jazeera on the Iraqi government’s operations to retake ISIS from Fallujah. Read the full article here.

Iraq

MENASource

May 25, 2016

The Non-Option of Disengagement from the Middle East

By Frederic C. Hof

In 2003 American forces successfully took Baghdad, but without the benefit of a ‘day after’ civil-military stabilization plan. The unintended results: a chaotic occupation, a vicious insurgency, the premature withdrawal of the United States from Iraq in 2011, and the subsequent rise of the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh). This and other disappointments—Libya 2011 (again […]

Iraq Libya

In the News

May 23, 2016

Knights Joins NPR to Discuss the Security of Baghdad

By Michael Knights

Iraq Task Force Member Michael Knights joins NPR to discuss the weakened security of Baghdad amid Iraqi operations to retake Fallujah. Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

May 19, 2016

Findings from Iraq Task Force Trip to Iraq Featured by Brookings

By Kenneth Pollack

Brookings features findings of Iraq Task Force trip to Iraq with Iraq Task Force members Kenneth Pollack and Michael Knights. Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

May 18, 2016

Younis Quoted by Voice of America on US Aid Against ISIS in Iraq

By Nussaibah Younis

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

May 16, 2016

Connable Writes for War on the Rocks about Calls for Partition in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Task Force Member Ben Connable writes for War on the Rocks about the need for partition advocates to either present clear recommendations or to support a unified Iraq. Read the full article here.

Iraq

MENASource

May 16, 2016

A Global Resettlement Scheme for Refugees in the EU

By Solon Ardittis

On May 4, 2016, the European Commission (EC) presented a draft regulation intended to overhaul the existing Dublin Regulation that has dictated the asylum application system in Europe for the past 20 years. By introducing a “fairness mechanism,” the idea was to establish a new system that imbibes solidarity among the EU member states.

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