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.

Top experts

Content

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2016

Contributions to NATO More Than Just Budgetary, says Canada’s Defense Minister

By Ashish Kumar Sen

NATO member states’ defense expenditure must be measured in much more than just budgetary terms, Canada’s Defense Minister, Harjit Sajjan, said on May 12. “We had 158 soldiers who died, sacrificed, in Afghanistan. This is a contribution that we made,” Sajjan, a veteran of the Afghan war, said in a brief interaction with journalists at […]

Iraq NATO

In the News

May 11, 2016

Younis Quoted by Voice of America on Radicalization in Iraq

By Nussaibah Younis

Read the full article here.

Iraq

MENASource

May 9, 2016

Muqtada al-Sadr’s Changing Role in an Unchanging Iraq

By Nabeel Khoury

In a speech a day after his followers stormed Iraq’s parliament, Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr described the move as a gesture of civil disobedience in rejection of Iraq’s political class and the sectarian division of power and corruption within it. The protesters tore up papers, ransacked offices, and kicked furniture around, with some reports of […]

Iraq

In the News

May 6, 2016

Younis Joins Voice of America to Discuss the Challenges Facing the Iraqi Government

By Nussaibah Younis

Listen to the full interview here.

Iraq

In the News

May 5, 2016

Al-Ali Writes for the New York Times on the Current Political Challenges Facing the Iraqi Government

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Task Force Member Zaid al-Ali writes for the New York Times about Iraq’s current political instability, saying that part of the process of reforming the corrupt system must include the inclusion of new political actors in the process/government. Without “new blood,” al-Ali says that Iraq will never emerge from governmental corruption. Read the full […]

Iraq

MENASource

May 5, 2016

Operations in the Manbij Pocket: Finding A Way Forward in the War against ISIS

By Aaron Stein

The Islamic State (ISIS) threat to Turkey has increased considerably in recent months, following an increase in rocket attacks on the Turkish city of Kilis and the deliberate targeting of Turkish tanks and artillery near Karkamış. The rise of the Islamic State threat prompted Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, to underscore the need to clear […]

Iraq Syria

In the News

May 5, 2016

Younis in Foreign Affairs: Sectarianism and the Protests in Baghdad

By Nussaibah Younis

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

May 4, 2016

Connable Writes for The National Interest on Need for US Involvement in Iraqi Reconciliation

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Task Force Member Ben Connable discusses the need for US involvement to further reconciliation efforts in Iraq following an Iraq Task Force trip to the country. Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

May 3, 2016

Younis Quoted by The Daily Signal on Iraqi Politics and Protests in Iraq

By Nussaibah Younis

Read the full article here.

Iraq

In the News

May 3, 2016

Knights Quoted on the Current Political Instabilities and What They Mean for Iraq’s Future

By Atlantic Council

The Daily Signal quotes Iraq Task Force Member Michael Knights on the current political situation in Iraq and the lasting effects that it can have on Iraq’s political process. He discusses Iraq’s overall ability to come back off the brink of political/security collapse and sees hope in Iraq’s future. Read the full article here.

Iraq

Experts

Events