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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Apr 7, 2016

Identity, Sectarianism, and Conflict in Iraq: A Conversation with Kanan Makiya

By Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

On April 6, 2016, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center hosted Iraqi thought leader Kanan Makiya to discuss his new book The Rope, a novel on the tumultuous months between the invasion of Iraq and the execution of Saddam Hussein.

Iraq

In the News

Apr 5, 2016

Ashooh Quoted by Voice of America on ISIS Operations and Politics in Iraq

By Jessica Ashooh

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

Apr 5, 2016

Knights Writes for Al Jazeera on Sectarianism in Iraq and the Effect ISIS has on Sectarian Violence

By Michael Knights

Iraq Task Force Member Michael Knights writes for Al Jazeera on how ISIS’s presence in Iraq has actually fostered a sort of community-building program between Sunni and Shia communities who had previously been fighting each other.

Iraq

EconoGraphics

Apr 1, 2016

The European Refugee Surge: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

By Alvaro Morales Salto Weis & TK Spandhla

Asylum applications to the European Union (EU) set an all-time record in 2015, more than doubling the 2014 figure, according to EUROSTAT. After the recent agreement between Turkey and the EU, the influx of refugees is expected to decrease significantly.

Afghanistan Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 31, 2016

Rudaw Covers Iraq Task Force Launch and Interviews Younis

By Future of Iraq Task Force

Rudaw covers the Iraq Task Force launch and interviews Senior Fellow Nussaibah Younis on Task Force consultations in Iraq. Watch the full coverage here.

Iraq

In the News

Mar 29, 2016

Pollack writes for the Brookings Institution on the Political and Economic Developments in Iraq

By Future of Iraq Task Force Member Kenneth Pollack

Iraq Task Force Member Kenneth Pollack discusses the problems facing Iraq’s Prime Minister as he attempts to implement reforms, and how governmental weakness gives rise to political infighting. The infighting then further destabilizes Iraq’s government preventing future political progress. Pollack also discusses how the economic crisis due to low oil prices and the war against […]

Iraq

Bremain vs Brexit

Mar 28, 2016

Belgium Seeks More Action on Intelligence Shared Among European Nations

By Ashish Kumar Sen

‘That is a weak spot for some,’ says Johan Verbeke, Belgium’s Ambassador to the United States European nations need to do a better job of working together to detect, share, and act on intelligence related to terrorist plots, according to Johan Verbeke, Belgium’s Ambassador to the United States. “There is information that we share with […]

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Mar 28, 2016

Pollack Writes for the Brookings Institution on the Military Situation in Iraq and the Fight Against ISIS

By Future of Iraq Task Force Member Kenneth Pollack

Iraq Task Force Member Kenneth Pollack discusses the US military campaign to defeat ISIS. Pollack asserts that Baghdad’s announcement of the start of liberation of Mosul is premature due to the lack of a feasible plan of reconstruction once the city is liberated. Read the full article here.

Iraq

MENASource

Mar 28, 2016

What “Inclusivity” Means in Iraq

By Safwan Al-Amin

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on February 9, 2016 that he would push for the replacement of the current ministers with a “technocratic” cabinet. Having promised reforms without clear implementation in the past, there is much confusion over what change is forthcoming and apprehension over its potential implications.

Iraq

MENASource

Mar 25, 2016

Is ISIS Decentralizing?

By Mona Alami

Judging from the Islamic State’s (ISIS or ISIL) recent killing spree, the terrorist organization has demonstrated its ability to maintain it operational capacity to target the West. This week’s coordinated attacks in Brussels claimed by ISIS resulted in over 31 deaths and 200 injured attacks, taking place against the backdrop of threats by the organization […]

Iraq Syria

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